Preoperative computed tomography-guided localization for multiple lung nodules: a Meta-analysis

Purpose Approximately 20% of patients with lung nodules (LNs) have multiple LNs (MLNs). This meta-analysis was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided localization of MLNs in comparison with those of single LN (SLN) localization. Material and methods The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to collect relevant articles published till February 2022. The meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan v5.3. Results In total, seven studies met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. No significant difference was observed between patients with MLNs and SLN in terms of pooled successful localization rate based on LNs (p = 0.64) and patients (p = 0.06). The pooled duration of localization was significantly shorter and the pooled pneumothorax and lung hemorrhage rates were significantly lower in the SLN group than in the MLNs group (p < 0.00001 for all). The pooled duration of hospital stay was comparable between the MLNs and SLN groups (p = 0.96). Significant heterogeneity was observed in the endpoints of duration of localization (I-2 = 75%) and pneumothorax (I-2 = 53%). Conclusions CT-guided simultaneous MLN localization is clinically safe and effective, despite requiring a longer procedural time and having higher incidence of pneumothorax and lung hemorrhage than SLN localization.