Thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodules after computed tomographic-guided coil labeling

Background. A limiting factor in performing video-assisted thoracic surgery for resection of peripheral solitary pulmonary nodules has been the recogn ition of the lesion visually. This study reports our clinical experience of injecting a small metallic marker under computed tomographic scan guidance before the operation, allowing localization of the lesion. Methods. A series of 14 patients underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery for removal of 15 pulmonary nodules situated in the outer third of the lung . Before operation, a radiopaque microcoil was injected just behind the les ion and then used to locate, under fluoroscopy, the area to be resected dur ing thoracoscopy. The technique was evaluated for accuracy, reliability, an d ease of use. Results. Microcoil labeling of peripheral pulmonary nodules allowed in ever y case a complete resection and a histologic identification of the lesion. It is more stable and accurate than methylene blue dye marking, and it is a s easy to perform as computed tomographic scan-guided biopsy. The incidence of complication was small in spite of our inexperience with the technique. Conclusions. Our experience with microcoil injection shows that it provides consistent and highly accurate marking of pulmonary nodules for video-assi sted thoracic surgery, allowing secure resection with a safe margin. (C) 20 01 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.