Assessing the efficacy and impact of minimally invasive thoracic surgery for diagnosing non-malignant pulmonary nodules.

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary nodules are often challenging to diagnose, especially when non-invasive techniques like computed tomography (CT)-guided or bronchoscopic biopsies yield inconclusive results. Surgical biopsy has been traditionally used for definitive diagnosis, but its safety, diagnostic utility, and impact on clinical management in cases of non-malignant pathology remain underexplored. This study evaluates the safety and diagnostic value of minimally invasive surgical biopsy in patients with pulmonary nodules, focusing on its impact on clinical management and patient care.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single center, involving 164 patients who underwent wedge resection between January 2017 and December 2021. The study utilized a prospectively maintained database to examine the outcomes of surgical biopsies, including patient selection criteria, procedural safety, and diagnostic efficacy.

RESULTS

The findings underscored the procedure's safety, with no re-admissions or mortalities within 30 days post-biopsy. A diverse range of pathologies was identified, highlighting the procedure's diagnostic utility in managing pulmonary nodules. Importantly, the results significantly influenced patient management, leading to changes in treatment protocols, decreased imaging frequency, and tailored therapeutic approaches. Additionally, most patients were discharged ambulatorily within 24 hours, emphasizing the procedure's minimally invasive nature.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive surgical biopsy proves to be a safe and effective diagnostic tool for evaluating pulmonary nodules, with substantial implications for patient management. The procedure facilitates accurate diagnosis and guides personalized care strategies, supporting its continued use in clinical practice. Future research, including multi-center studies, is essential to confirm these findings and further refine the approach to pulmonary nodule evaluation.