Preoperative computed tomography-guided localization for lung nodules: localization needle versus coil

Purpose To compare the clinical efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided localization needle and coil insertion as approaches to preoperative lung nodule (LN) localization. Material and methods Between January 2018 and December 2019, 52 patients awaiting video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection underwent CT-guided coil insertion to facilitate LN localization. Additionally, 41 patients underwent CT-guided localization needle insertion between January and June 2021. Results In total, 62 and 54 LNs were localized in 52 and 41 patients in the coil and localization needle groups, respectively, with respective technical localization success rates of 96.8% and 100% (p = .498). The localization needle group exhibited a significantly shorter duration of localization relative to the coil group (p < .001), whereas comparable rates of pneumothorax (p = .918) and hemorrhage (p = .712) were evident in these groups. VATS-guided LN resection procedures achieved 100% technical success rates in both groups, and there were no significant differences between groups with respect to the type of resection (p = .113) or the mean duration of VATS (p = .778). Conclusion Coil- and localization needle-based approaches can be successfully used for LN localization prior to VATS resection, with localization needle insertion being associated with a shorter duration of localization.