[Hookwire localization of pulmonary nodules for video-thorascopic surgical resection].

OBJECTIVES

To assess the usefulness of a technique for inserting hookwires guided by computed tomography to locate and resect pulmonary nodules by video-assisted thoracoscopy. To describe the procedure and its complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nine pulmonary nodules were located in nine patients. All were </= 2 cm in diameter, radiologically undefined and of unknown origin. Four patients had a history of cancer. The nodules were located using the needle/hookwire system (Kopans), guided by computed tomography and were resected by video-assisted thoracic surgery.

RESULTS

The hookwire was placed correctly in 8 patients and incorrectly in 1. Thoracotomy was necessary for 1 patient. The histologic diagnosis was benign for all 9 nodules; 5 were hamartomas, 2 were necrotic or fibrotic nodules, 1 was a granuloma and 1 was an anthracotic node. Hospital stay ranged from 1 to 8 days (mean 3.3 days).

CONCLUSION

The location of pulmonary nodes by hookwire and needle for later resection by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a simple, safe way to facilitate removal in some cases, for diagnosis and treatment.