ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the value of CT-guided localization of small pulmonary nodule with new pulmonary nodule locating needle before thoracoscopic surgery. Methods: Totally 50 patients with 53 small pulmonary nodules (diameter 5.0-15.0 mm) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) after CT-guided localization. The positioning effect and complications were observed. Results: The anchor positioning needle was successfully implanted in 53 lesions of 50 patients, and the positioning success rate was 100% (53/53). During the puncture process, minor bleeding occurred near puncture needle passage in 9 cases (9/50, 18.00%), while mild pneumothorax and pleural reaction were noticed during the localization operation in 14 cases (14/50, 28.00%) and 1 case (1/50, 2.00%), respectively. VATS was performed on the day of positioning in 8 cases and on the next day of positioning in 42 cases. All 53 nodules were successfully found and removed according to the guidance of positioning needle. Conclusion: CT-guided localization of small pulmonary nodule with new pulmonary nodule locating needle before VATS was effective and safe.