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. 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. 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). 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.

Archivos de bronconeumología

Biopsy - instrumentation; Hamartoma - diagnostic imaging; Granuloma - diagnostic imaging; Lymph Nodes - surgery; Humans; Middle Aged; Male; Lung Diseases - surgery; Lung Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Thoracotomy; Granuloma - surgery; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule - diagnostic imaging; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule - surgery; Hamartoma - surgery; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Adult; Female; Needles; Aged; Safety; Lymph Nodes - diagnostic imaging; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule - pathology; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - instrumentation; Index Medicus

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