Application of CT-guided spring coil combined with methylene blue in the preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules prior to thoracoscopy

ObjectiveTo explore the application of CT-guided spring coil combined with methylene blue in the preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules prior to thoracoscopy.

MethodsForty patients with small pulmonary nodules scheduled for thoracoscopy were randomly divided into spring coil combined methylene blue group (group A, n=23) and simple spring coil localization group (group B, n=17).The success rate of preoperative localization, incidence rate of complications, intraoperative exploration time, operation time, rate of conversion to thoracotomy, positive rate of intraoperative frozen pathology and average hospitalization time in two groups were analyzed.

ResultsIn 40 patients, the success rate of localization and wedge resection rate were 100%.There was no significant difference in the localization time, pneumothorax, bleeding rate and operation time between two groups(P>0.05).The exploration time of resection sites in group A(2.02±0.68) min was significantly lower than that in group B(5.84±1.06) min(P < 0.01).There were 4 cases of deep nodules with enlarged resection in group A, no case was found in group B, and the difference of resection rate between two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).

ConclusionsPreoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules by CT-guided spring coil combined with methylene blue can help surgeons to find small pulmonary nodules quickly, especially for deep nodules.It is a simple, intuitive, safe, effective and accurate method with high clinical value.