J Chest Surg.  2023 Feb;56(1):1-5. 10.5090/jcs.22.063.

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Core Needle Biopsy for Pulmonary Nodules in Patients with Impaired Lung Function: Is It Feasible and Safe?

• Lee YS
• Kim JD
• Park HO
• Lee CE
• Jang IS
• Choi JY

• KMID: 2537824
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5090/jcs.22.063

Abstract

Background
The number of patients with incidentally identified pulmonary nodules is increasing. This study attempted to confirm the usefulness and safety of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) core needle biopsy of pulmonary nodules.
Methods
Data from 18 patients diagnosed with pulmonary nodules who underwent VATS core need biopsy were retrospectively reviewed.
Results
Of the 18 patients, 15 had malignancies (primary lung cancer, n=14; metastatic lung cancer, n=1), and 3 had benign nodules. Mortality and pleural metastasis did not occur during the follow-up period.
Conclusion
In patients with solitary pulmonary nodules that require tissue confirmation, computed tomography-guided percutaneous cutting needle biopsy or diagnostic pulmonary resection sometimes may not be feasible choices due to the location of the solitary pulmonary nodule or the patient’s impaired pulmonary function, VATS core needle biopsy may be performed in these patients as an alternative method.

Keyword

Video-assisted thoracic surgery; Solitary pulmonary nodule; Large-core needle biopsy