Pre-operative CT localization for patients with subsolid opacities expecting video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery—single center experience of fluorescent iodized emulsion and hook-wire localization technique

Objective: To describe our clinical experience of using combination of fluorescent iodized emulsion, indocyanine green & lipiodol, and hook-wire in pre-operative CT localization of patients with subsolid lung lesions prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods: A retrospective review between June 2018 and July 2019 of consecutive Chinese patients whom underwent VATS for subsolid lung lesions with pre-operative CT localization done with combination of fluorescent iodized emulsion and hook-wire technique in a tertiary hospital (Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong SAR). The duration and complications related to the localization procedure were recorded The clinical records, operative findings and pathology reports were retrieved from the hospital electronic clinical management system. Results: Combination fluorescent iodized emulsion with hook-wire enabled accurate localization and resection of all subsolid lung lesions in VATS. No major complications were reported. Conclusion: Combination of fluorescent iodized emulsion and hook-wire placement under CT guidance is a simple, safe and cost- effective procedure that enabled accurate localization and resection of subsolid nodule in VATS. Advances in knowledge: VATS has been the mainstay for indeterminate pulmonary nodules for diagnostic and/or curative purpose. The main problem that surgeons may encounter during operation is the difficulty in locating the target lesion particularly for subsolid lesions. Many pre-operative localization methods have been developed in this regard. With the novel technique that we described, we were able to overcome disadvantages of most described methods.