Comparison of hook wire versus coil localization for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

BackgroundA hook wire has been most widely used for computed tomography (CT)-guided localization before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). However, microcoils have been suggested to replace wires. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy, VATS procedure time, and excised volume of specimens of CT-guided localization using a hook wire and microcoil. MethodsThe medical records of 106 patients with 110 pulmonary nodules who underwent CT-guided localization using a hook wire (groupA) or microcoil (groupB) before VATS performed between March 2013 and January 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. ResultsThe procedure success rate was 100% in both groups. Dislodgement occurred in four patients in groupA and not in groupB. Patient pain score was significantly lower for groupB than groupA (4.0 vs. 6.3; P<0.001). The VATS success rate was higher in groupB than in groupA (98.1% vs. 91.1%; P= 0.174). The VATS procedure time was significantly shorter for groupB than groupA (18.8 vs. 23.6minutes; P=0.004). The excised volume of surgical specimens was significantly smaller for groupB than groupA (8.5 vs. 11.7cm(3); P=0.043). No major complications related to the localization procedure were noted in either group. ConclusionsThis study showed similar effectiveness of VATS localization between groups. However, microcoil is superior to hook wire for localization of pulmonary nodules in terms of VATS procedure time and excised volume of surgical specimens, with the advantages of no dislodgement and less patient pain.