Comparison of Different Localization Needles and Postures in Localization of Pulmonary Nodules

Abstract Background With advances in imaging testing and surgical procedures, more and more nodules with smaller diameters and deeper locations have been given surgical indications. The preoperative localization of those nodules is necessary. We conducted a retrospective single-center study comparing the effectiveness and comfort of the four-hook needle and hook-wire needle in terms of localization preoperative. We also compared the effect of different postures taken by patients on localization effectiveness. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of 692 patients following preoperative CT-guided localization. Patients were divided into different groups according to the different localization needles and the different postures taken during localization. Results There was no statistical difference in total complications between the four-hook needle group and the hook-wire needle group (P > 0.05). The chest pain score in the four-hook needle group was lower than the hook-wire needle group (P = 0.001). The incidence of decoupling in the four-hook needle group was significantly lower than the hook-wire needle group (P < 0.05). The four-hook needle group had better performance in terms of localization operation time, operation time, intraoperative bleeding and first-day drainage (P < 0.05). Compared with the supine and lateral groups, the prone posture group had better performance in total complications and localization operation time, and worse performance in decoupling and chest pain (P < 0.05). Conclusions The four-hook needle has better effectiveness on localization and comfort in patient than the hook-wire needle, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application. The patient's different postures during localization procedure may affect the localization results.