Safety and feasibility of transbronchial microwave ablation for subpleural lung nodules.

BACKGROUND: Transbronchial microwave ablation in treating lung nodules is gaining popularity. However, microwave ablation in subpleural lung nodules raised concerns about pleural-based complications due to the proximity between the pleura and the ablation zone. METHODS: Patients who underwent transbronchial microwave ablation between March 2019 and November 2022 were included in this analysis. The lung nodules were categorized into the subpleural group-less than 5 mm distance to the nearest pleural surface; the deep nodule group-larger or equal to 5 mm distance to the nearest pleural surface. A review of the safety profile of subpleural lung nodule ablation was conducted. RESULTS: Eighty-two lung nodules (n = 82) from 77 patients were treated. The mean nodule size was 14.2 ± 5.50 mm. The technical success rate was 100%. The mean procedural time was 133 min. No statistically significant differences were detected in the complication rate and the length of stay between the subpleural and deep nodule groups. Complications occured in 21 nodules (25.6%). No minor pneumothorax was reported. Total five cases of pneumothorax required drainage were observed (6.06% in subpleural nodules [n = 2] vs. 6.12% in deep nodules [n = 3], p = 0.991). Total seven cases of pleuritic chest pain were observed (12.1% in subpleural nodules [n = 4] vs. 6.12% in deep nodules [n = 3], p = 0.340). CONCLUSIONS: This single-center retrospective analysis found no significant difference in the safety outcomes between subpleural and nonsubpleural lung nodule ablation. The overall rate of complications was low in the cohort. This demonstrated that transbronchial microwave was feasible and safe for most lung nodules.

Treatment strategies for malignant pulmonary nodule: beyond lobectomy. Point-counterpoint.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Technological advancement in low-dose computed tomography resulted in an increased incidental discovery of early-stage lung cancer and multifocal ground glass opacity. The demand for parenchyma-preserving treatment strategies is greater now than ever. Pulmonary ablative therapy is a groundbreaking technique to offer local ablative treatment in a lung-sparing manner. It has become a promising technique in lung cancer management with its diverse applicability. In this article, we will review the current development of ablative therapy in lung and look into the future of this innovative technique. RECENT FINDINGS: Current literature suggests that ablative therapy offers comparable local disease control to other local therapies and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), with a low risk of complications. In particular, bronchoscopic microwave ablation (BMWA) has considerably fewer pleural-based complications due to the avoidance of pleural puncture. BMWA can be considered in the multidisciplinary treatment pathway as it allows re-ablation and allows SBRT after BMWA. SUMMARY: With the benefits which ablative therapy offers and its ability to incorporate into the multidisciplinary management pathway, we foresee ablative therapy, especially BMWA gaining significance in lung cancer treatment. Future directions on developing novel automated navigation platforms and the latest form of ablative energy would further enhance clinical outcomes for our patients.