Application of CT-guided microcoil localization in thoracoscopic resection of small pulmonary nodules

To evaluate the clinical value of CT-guided microcoil localization for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in patients with small pulmonary nodules. A retrospective analysis was conducted in 100 patients with small pulmonary nodules who underwent VATS. The patients were divided into a localization group ( n = 50), who underwent CT-guided microcoil localization followed by VATS resection, and a non-localization group ( n = 50), who underwent direct VATS resection without preoperative localization.The localization success rate, localization time, and complication rate of the localization group were observed, and the VATS operation time, intraoperative bleeding, conversion to thoracotomy, postoperative drainage, hospital stay, and hospitalization costs were compared between the two groups. In the localization group, the localization success rate was 98% (49/50), with minor pneumothorax occurring in 6 patients (12%, 6/50) and low-grade pulmonary hemorrhage in 8 patients (16%, 8/50). The average localization time was (15.7 ± 3.5) min. Compared with the non-localization group, the localization group showed significantly shorter operation time ( P < 0.001), lower postoperative drainage volume ( P < 0.001), and lower hospitalization costs ( P = 0.005). CT-guided microcoil localization is a feasible and safe technique for the surgical management of small pulmonary nodules. In this retrospective cohort, its application was associated with shorter operative times, lower postoperative drainage volumes, and reduced hospitalization costs. These findings suggest that the technique may serve as a valuable ancillary tool in facilitating precise and minimally invasive resection of small pulmonary nodules, especially those that are difficult to identify intraoperatively.