Median Nodule Size Research Articles

Differentiated thyroid cancer and Hashimoto thyroiditis: Utility of the Afirma gene expression classifier.

The Afirma gene expression classifier (AGEC) has not been tested or validated in a high-risk group, such as patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). We hypothesized that AGEC would perform worse in patients with HT. A retrospective review of patient charts in a single academic institution who underwent thyroidectomy between 2012 and 2017 was conducted. Patients with HT who underwent AGEC were identified to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). We identified 69 patients with HT and atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) on cytology who underwent AGEC analysis. The mean age of AGEC cohort was 50 years (range, 26-77 years) with 90% female. The median nodule size was 1.9 cm (interquartile range [IQR], 1.2-2.7 cm). Of the 69 patients, 62 showed suspicious AGEC of which 26 showed TC on surgical pathology. Of the seven benign AGEC, two showed TC on surgical pathology. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 93%, 12%, 42%, and 71%, respectively. Of the entire AGEC cohort, 17 (43%) showed multicentric disease. We observed a lower NPV for AGEC to rule out thyroid cancer in patients with HT, which reduces the utility of the test for this population.

Thyroid Image Reporting and Data System Categorization: Effectiveness in Pediatric Thyroid Nodule Assessment.

Ultrasonography (US) is the main imaging method to assess thyroid nodules. In the pediatric population, thyroid nodules are less prevalently seen than those in adults. However, approximately 25% of the nodules can be malignant. Validation of Thyroid Image Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) classification has been mostly tested in adults, and information on pediatric cases is limited. In the current study, we aim to define the diagnostic power of the TI-RADS risk stratification method in pediatric thyroid nodules.The study population consists of 68 nodules of 64 patients (20 malignant, 48 benign). We have included patients at least 18 years and with a pathological diagnosis. The researchers evaluated the US images of the patients, if available. If US images cannot be found, US reports of the patients were evaluated to define TI-RADS points and category.Mean age of the population is 15.15 ± 2.66 years. There were 10 (17.7%) male patients and 58 (85.3%) female patients. Median nodule size was 8 mm. Final diagnosis was benign in 48 nodules (70.6%) and malignant in 20 nodules (29.4%). There were 5 follicular carcinoma cases and 15 papillary carcinoma cases. The area under the curve estimate was 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.98), and the area under the curve value confirmed the diagnostic efficacy of TI-RADS categorization in pediatric thyroid nodules. A TI-RADS category of 4 or 5 seemed to be a good cutoff point to predict malignancy.To conclude, TI-RADS categorization can be effectively used to assess pediatric thyroid nodules. Nodules with TI-RADS categories of 4 and 5 have the greatest risk of malignancy, and they should be evaluated pathologically.

Electromagnetic Navigation-Guided Preoperative Localization of Small Malignant Pulmonary Tumors

Thoracoscopic resection of small pulmonary nodules can be challenging, which highlights the importance of preoperative localization. We report our experience with electromagnetic navigation-guided localization. The clinical, radiographic, surgical, and pathologic data of patients who underwent electromagnetic navigation-guided preoperative localization for pulmonary tumors smaller than 2 cm were reviewed. Successful localization was defined as successful identification of target lesions during the thoracoscopic procedure without palpation. Included were 30 patients with 35 nodules. There were 31 transthoracic and 5 transbronchial approaches performed. One patient received both approaches for the same tumor, and 3 received both approaches for localization of multiple targets. The median nodule size was 1.0 cm (interquartile range [IQR], 0.8-1.2 cm), and the median distance from the pleural surface was 1.1 cm (IQR, 0.6-2.0 cm). The most commonly used marker for localization was dye (n= 18), followed by microcoils (n=15). In nodules located with microcoils, the median distance between the microcoil and nodule was 1 mm (IQR, 0-3 mm). There were no complications related to the localization procedure. Successful localization was achieved in 27 of 30 patients (90.0%) and in 32 of 35 nodules (91.4%). The pathologic diagnosis was primary pulmonary malignancy in 29 nodules and secondary pulmonary malignancy in6. Our experience with electromagnetic navigation-guided transbronchial and transthoracic preoperative localization of small, malignant pulmonary tumors shows this technique is feasible and appears to be a viable option for preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules that may be difficult to locate thoracoscopically.

Microwave Thermoablation of Colorectal Liver Metastases Close to Large Hepatic Vessels Under Pringle Maneuver Minimizes the "Heat Sink Effect".

Liver resection and thermoablation are the mainstay of the surgical management of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The main limitation of thermoablation is the "heat-sink" effect for nodules next to large vessels. Herein, we report the preliminary results of microwave ablation (MWA) with associated Pringle maneuver to overcome this flaw. From November 2017, we performed intraoperative MWA with Pringle maneuver for nodules ≤3cm with immediate proximity to large vessels (distance≤5mm, diameter≥3mm). We collected characteristics of nodules, surgical procedures and postoperative morbidity. Diameter of the ablation area, especially the ablative minimal margin, was calculated for each nodule. Recurrence was also evaluated. Nineteen patients underwent MWA with Pringle maneuver for 23 nodules. Nineteen (83%) ablated nodules were located in segments VI, VII and VIII, and one nodule was in segment I. Median size of nodules was 15mm (10-21). No deaths occurred. Six patients (38%) experienced complications, among them only one was subsequent to the thermal ablation. Ablative minimal margin was ≥5mm for 19 (83%) nodules. Margin was not sufficient for four nodules, among them only 2/23 cases (8.7%) of in situ recurrence occurred after 12months of median follow-up. In this preliminary study, MWA with Pringle maneuver was associated with a low related morbidity rate and favorable oncological outcome, especially when the radiological minimal margin was sufficient.

Factors Affecting Local and Intra Hepatic Distant Recurrence After Surgery for Hcc: An Alternative Perspective on Microvascular Invasion and Satellitosis – A Western European Multicentre Study

BackgroundFew studies have focused on risk factors which may predict an intrahepatic local recurrence (LR) on the surgical edge rather than a distant recurrence (DR) in other liver segments after surgery for hepatocarcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors for both patterns of recurrence. MethodsAn international, multicentre, retrospective study was conducted by collecting data on all consecutive patients with a first diagnosis of HCC who were treated between 2010 and 2017. The presence of macrovascular invasion was an exclusion criteria. ResultsAbout 376 patients were enrolled, and, among them, 62 presented LR, while 90 had DR. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups, but the DR group had a much higher rate of HCV infection (48.9% vs 29%, p 0.014) and a higher median nodule size (3.40 cm IQR 2.2–5.5 versus 3.0 cm IQR 2.0–5.0 in the LR group, p 0.025). A positive surgical margin (R1, HR 4.721; 95% CI 1.83–12.17; p 0.001) was the only independent risk factor for LR, while MVI (HR 1.837; 95% CI 1.03–3.77; p 0.039) and satellitosis (HR 2.440, 95% CI 1.43–3.77, p 0.001) were the only predictive factors for DR. ConclusionMVI and satellitosis are predictive factors of intrahepatic distant recurrence, configuring a probable hallmark of advanced systemic disease, regardless of the treatment. LR has to be considered the expression of surgical failure.

PI-RADS score is associated with biochemical control and distant metastasis in men with intermediate-risk and high-risk prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy

BackgroundNovel methods of risk stratification are needed for men with prostate cancer. The Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) uses multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) to assign a score indicating the likelihood of clinically significant prostate cancer. We evaluated pretreatment mpMRI findings, including PI-RADS score, as a marker for outcome in patients treated with primary radiation therapy (RT). MethodsOne hundred and twenty-three men, 64% and 36% of whom had National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) intermediate-risk and high-risk disease, respectively, underwent mpMRI prior to RT. PI-RADS score and size of the largest nodule were analyzed with respect to freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF) and freedom from distant metastasis. ResultsA PI-RADS score of ≤3, 4, or 5 was defined in 7%, 49%, and 44%; with a median nodule size of 0, 8, and 18 mm, respectively (P < 0.001). Median follow-up was 67 months. Men with PI-RADS ≤ 3, 4, or 5 disease had 7-year FFBF of 100%, 92%, and 65% (P = 0.002), and a 7-year freedom from distant metastasis of 100%, 100%, and 82%, respectively (P = 0.014). PI-RADS (Hazard Ratio 5.4 for PI-RADS 5 vs. 4, P = 0.006) remained associated with FFBF when controlling for NCCN risk category (P = 0.063) and receipt of androgen deprivation therapy (P = 0.535). Nodule size was also associated with FFBF (Hazard Ratio 1.08 per mm, P < 0.001) after controlling for NCCN risk category (P = 0.156) and receipt of androgen deprivation therapy (P = 0.776). ConclusionmpMRI findings, including PI-RADS score and nodule size, may improve risk stratification in men treated with primary RT

Preoperative computed tomography-guided pulmonary nodule localization augmented by laser angle guide assembly

There is an increasing need for thoracic medicine specialists to master preoperative localizations after high rates of sub-centimeter nodules have been positively screened by low-dose CT. The Laser Angle Guide Assembly® (LAGA), an innovative angle reference device for CT-guided pulmonary invasive procedures, has been developed to safely and efficiently aid in the performance of preoperative CT-guided localizations (POCTGL). The clinical and localization data of patients who received LAGA-assisted POCTGL for pulmonary nodules between May 2015 and June 2018 were collected and analyzed. One hundred and eighty-seven patients with 266 pulmonary nodules received LAGA-assisted POCTGL. The number of lung nodules localized for one surgery ranged from 1 to 5, with >1 for 22.1% of the surgeries. The median nodule size was 6 mm. A hookwire was inserted in 32 (12%) of the nodules. Most (83.1%) of the localizations were completed with a single puncture. The median angle was 18 degrees. The median and maximum depths of the nodule to pleura were 12 and 60 mm, respectively. The median procedure time was 19 minutes. The successful targeting and field targeting rates were 100% and 98.1%, respectively. Pneumothorax was noted in 17 (6.4%) localizations that did not require chest drainage. The multivariable analyses for pneumothorax showed odds ratios of 2.4 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-4.9) for puncture times/nodule and 10.1 (95% confidence interval, 2.3-41.7) for tumors adjacent to the fissure, respectively. There was no incidence of hookwire migration. LAGA enhanced the precision of POCTGL by optimizing targeting precision and decreasing repeated punctures, which minimized complications, such as pneumothorax.

Intracorporeal direct measurement for localizing peripheral pulmonary nodules during thoracoscopy.

Localizing small lung nodules during thoracoscopy is challenging for thoracic surgeons. In this case series, a novel technique for intraoperative localization that combines preoperative computed tomography (CT) with direct measurement during thoracoscopy is described. A preoperative CT within two months before surgery was mandatory for precise planning of the resection area. During thoracoscopy, intracorporeal direct measurement (ICDM) for intraoperative localization was undergone if the targeted nodule was non-palpable and non-visualized. According to the location of the targeted nodule, longitudinal, and horizontal landmarks were chosen. The distances between the nodule and these landmarks were obtained from both CT images and intraoperative measurements during thoracoscopy. Based on the measurements, the x-axis and y-axis coordinates of the nodule were calculated and marked on the visceral pleura. A thoracoscopic wedge resection with an adequate margin was performed. From July 2014 to December 2018, ICDM was applied in 27 patients with peripheral pulmonary nodules smaller than 2 cm. Their medical records were reviewed retrospectively to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this technique. Twenty-six of the twenty-seven nodules were successfully identified (96.3%). The nodules included 13 primary lung cancers, 5 metastases, and 9 benign lesions. The median nodule size was 7 mm (range, 4-17 mm), and the median distance of the nodule from the visceral pleura was 8.1 mm (range, 1.0-31.2 mm). The median localization time was 24 minutes (range, 8-109 mm). Two patients (7.4%) had a prolonged air leak, but there was no procedure-related mortality. ICDM is an effective and safe method for localizing peripheral lung nodules during thoracoscopy.

Patient selection and outcomes of laparoscopic transabdominal versus posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy among surgeons in the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program (CESQIP)

BackgroundLaparoscopic adrenalectomy can be performed using a transabdominal or posterior retroperitoneal approach. Choosing the optimal approach can be challenging. MethodsUsing data from the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program (2014–2018), baseline patient characteristics and outcomes were compared with bivariate methods; univariate and multivariate analyses were used to estimate the association between operative approach and complication risk. ResultsAmong 833 patients, 35.3% underwent posterior retroperitoneal. Median age was 54 years. Patients undergoing posterior retroperitoneal had lesser rates of body mass index >40 (9.2% vs 17.4%, P = .001), smaller nodules (median 2.4 vs 3.2 cm, P < .001), and more commonly right-sided nodules (46.6% vs 36.9%, P = .02). Posterior retroperitoneal was associated with a lesser rate of conversion to an open procedure (0.7% vs 4.1%, P = .004), less complications (3.1% vs 8.7%, P = .002), and shorter hospital stay (≤48 h: 92.2% vs 76.6%, P < .001), but a greater rate of capsular disruption (12.6% vs 7.6%, P = .02). For posterior retroperitoneal cases with capsular disruption, median nodule size was 2.2 cm, and 16.2% were metastatic tumors. After multivariate adjustment, posterior retroperitoneal was 2.2 times as likely to result in capsular disruption as transabdominal (95% confidence interval, 1.04–4.79, P = .04). ConclusionThis study revealed a greater rate for capsular disruption during posterior retroperitoneal even for small tumors. Our findings from the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program (2014–2018) suggests that posterior retroperitoneal should be used selectively, especially when a malignancy is suspected.

Pleural dye marking of lung nodules by electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy.

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB)-guided pleural dye marking is useful to localize small peripheral pulmonary nodules for sublobar resection. To report findings on the use of ENB-guided dye marking among participants in the NAVIGATE study. NAVIGATE is a prospective, multicentre, global and observational cohort study of ENB use in patients with lung lesions. The current subgroup report is a prespecified 1-month interim analysis of ENB-guided pleural dye marking in the NAVIGATE United States cohort. The full United States cohort includes 1215 subjects from 29 sites (April 2015 to August 2016). Among those, 23 subjects (24 lesions) from seven sites underwent dye marking in preparation for surgical resection. ENB was conducted for dye marking alone in nine subjects while 14 underwent dye marking concurrent with lung lesion biopsy, lymph node biopsy and/or fiducial marker placement. The median nodule size was 10mm (range 4-22) and 83.3% were <20mm in diameter. Most lesions (95.5%) were located in the peripheral third of the lung, at a median of 3.0mm from the pleura. The median ENB-specific procedure time was 11.5minutes (range 4-38). The median time from dye marking to resection was 0.5 hours (range 0.3-24). Dye marking was adequate for surgical resection in 91.3%. Surgical biopsies were malignant in 75% (18/24). In this study, ENB-guided dye marking to localize lung lesions for surgery was safe, accurate and versatile. More information is needed about surgical practice patterns and the utility of localization procedures.

Real-time augmented fluoroscopy-guided lung marking for thoracoscopic resection of small pulmonary nodules.

Small pulmonary nodule localization via an endobronchial route is safe and has fewer complications than that with the transthoracic needle approach, but accurate marking without a navigation system remains challenging. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endobronchial dye marking using conventional bronchoscopy guided by cone-beam computed tomography-derived augmented fluoroscopy (CBCT-AF) for small pulmonary nodules. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 61 nodules in 51 patients who underwent preoperative CBCT-AF-guided bronchoscopic dye marking, followed by thoracoscopic resection, between July 2018 and March 2019. The median nodule size was 8.6mm [interquartile range (IQR) 7.0-11.8mm], and the median distance from the pleural space was 15.4mm (IQR 10.6-23.1mm). All nodules were identifiable on CBCT images and annotated for AF. The median bronchoscopy duration was 8.0min (IQR 6.0-11.0min), and the median fluoroscopy duration was 2.2min (IQR 1.2-4.0min). The median radiation exposure (expressed as the dose area product) was 2337.2µGym2 (IQR 1673.8-4468.8µGym2). All nodules were successfully marked and resected, and the median duration from localization to surgery was 16.4h (IQR 4.2-20.7h). There were no localization-related complications or operative mortality, and the median length of the postoperative stay was 4days (IQR 3-4days). Bronchoscopic dye marking under CBCT-AF guidance before thoracoscopic surgery was safely conducted with satisfactory outcomes in our initial experience.

Electromagnetic Transthoracic Nodule Localization for Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Resection

Increased use of chest computed tomography and the institution of lung cancer screening have increased the detection of ground-glass and small pulmonary nodules. Intraoperative localization of these lesions via a minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach can be challenging. We present the feasibility of perioperative transthoracic percutaneous nodule localization using a novel electromagnetic navigation platform. This is a multicenter retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent perioperative electromagnetic transthoracic nodule localization before attempted minimally invasive resection between July 2016 and March 2018. Localization was performed using methylene blue or a mixture of methylene blue and the patient's blood (1:1 ratio). Patient, nodule, and procedure characteristics were collected and reported. Thirty-one nodules were resected from 30 patients. Twenty-nine of 31 nodules (94%) were successfully localized. Minimally invasive resection was successful in 93% of patients (28/30); 7% (2/30) required conversion to thoracotomy. The median nodule size was 13 mm (interquartile range 25%-75%, 9.5-15.5), and the median depth from the surface of the visceral pleura to the nodule was 10 mm (interquartile range 25%-75%, 5.0-15.9). Seventy-one percent (22/31) of nodules were malignant. No complications associated with nodule localization were reported. The use of intraoperative electromagnetic transthoracic nodule localization before thoracoscopic resection of small and/or difficult to palpate lung nodules is safe and effective, potentially eliminating the need for direct nodule palpation. Use of this technique aids in minimally invasive localization and resection of small, deep, and/or ground-glass lung nodules.

Incidence and natural course of CT-detected pulmonary ground-glass nodules in Chinese women with breast cancer: a retrospective, single-center, long-term follow-up study in 4682 consecutive patients

Background Increased use of thin-section computed tomography (CT) scans has revealed that small lung nodules, termed ground-glass nodules, are frequent in primary breast cancer patients and are associated with pre-invasive or invasive pulmonary adenocarcinomas. However, little is known of the incidence and fate of ground-glass nodules. Purpose To elucidate the incidence and natural course of CT-detected pulmonary ground-glass nodules in Chinese women with breast cancer. Material and Methods We retrospectively reviewed data from female breast cancer patients who underwent lung CT scans and who were followed for ≥3 months after the initial scan to identify the incidence of ground-glass nodules and any changes in them during the follow-up period. Results Between January 2008 and April 2018, 693 out of 4682 breast cancer patients (14.8%) had persistent lung ground-glass nodules as detected by CT scan. The median age was 52 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 45–62 years). Median nodule size was 4.9 mm in diameter on initial CT scan. Frequency of growth was 7.5% (52/693 patients). Median volume doubling time was 1092 days (IQR = 719–1808 days) for 39 growing in size nodules. Initial nodule size, nodule type, and follow-up period were independent predictors of nodule growth. Conclusion Most pulmonary ground-glass nodules in breast cancer patients were stable during long-term follow-up; most growing nodules had an indolent clinical course, suggesting that nodules should be monitored until growth is detected. This information is clinically relevant for accurate diagnosis of cancer stage and for appropriate treatment plans for patients with lung ground-glass nodules.

Cumulative experience of preoperative real-time augmented fluoroscopy-guided endobronchial dye marking for small pulmonary nodules: An analysis of 30 initial patients

Cone-beam computed tomography-derived augmented fluoroscopy (CBCT-AF) for use in guiding endobronchial dye marking of small pulmonary nodules prior to thoracoscopic surgery is still under development. We sought to evaluate the effect of the cumulative experience on procedural parameters of CBCT-AF-guided endobronchial dye marking for preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules. Clinical variables and treatment outcomes of the 30 initial patients with small pulmonary nodules who were managed with CBCT-AF-guided endobronchial dye marking followed by thoracoscopic resection in our institution were analyzed. Two sequential groups of patients (group I and group II, n=15 each) were compared with regard to localization time and radiation doses. The Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test or Fisher exact test were used in the statistical analyses. In the entire cohort, the median size of solitary pulmonary nodules on preoperative computed tomography (CT) images was 9.3mm (interquartile range, 7.4-13.6mm), and their median distance from the pleural surface was 15.2mm (interquartile range, 10.3-27.1mm). The median tumor depth-to-size ratio was 1.6 (interquartile range, 1.1-2.3). A significant reduction in single DynaCT radiation (3690.4 versus [vs.] 1132.3μGym2; P<0.001) and total radiation exposure (median, 4878.8 vs. 1673.8μGym2; P<0.001) was noted in group II (late patients) compared with group I. Our initial results of CBCT-AF-guided lung marking demonstrate that the cumulative experience with several technical modifications can achieve the same purpose of endobronchial localization with less procedure-related radiation exposure.

Computed tomography-guided dye localization for deeply situated pulmonary nodules in thoracoscopic surgery.

Increased lung cancer screening of asymptomatic adults using low-dose computed tomography (CT) with high-resolution imaging modalities has increased the identification of small and deeply situated pulmonary nodules. This study aimed to evaluate the role of preoperative patient blue vital (PBV) dye localization for an undiagnosed nodule deeply situated in the lung parenchyma followed by minimally invasive lung resection. From July 2013 to December 2016, 27 consecutive patients (16 women, median age: 62 years) with small undiagnosed pulmonary nodules at a depth of more than 30 mm underwent preoperative CT-guided PBV dye localization followed by thoracoscopic diagnostic resection of the nodule at National Taiwan University Hospital. The clinical characteristics were collected retrospectively to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the procedure. The median size of pulmonary nodule in preoperative CT images was 11 mm with a median depth of 31.6 mm (range, 30.0-48.6 mm). Of the 27 nodules, 8 were pure ground-glass nodules, 3 were pure solid nodules, and 16 were partially solid nodules. The diagnostic yield of CT-guided dye localization following diagnostic wedge resection was 100%. The final pathological diagnoses were: primary adenocarcinoma of the lung (n=20), adenocarcinoma in situ (n=1), and benign nodules (n=6). Only asymptomatic complications were noted after localization, and the median hospital stay was 3 days [interquartile range (IQR), 3-4 days]. All of 21 patients were cancer-free after a median follow-up of 39.0 months (IQR, 29.5-50.0 months). This study indicated that preoperative, percutaneous CT-guided PBV dye localization for undiagnosed nodules at a depth of more than 30 mm could be a safe and feasible procedure. Furthermore, it was considerably advantageous for preserving the lung parenchyma, especially for benign nodules.

MA13.10 Comparison of Pulmonary Nodule Location Between Preprocedural CT and Intra-Procedural Cone-Beam CT During Guided Bronchoscopy

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy relies on pre-procedural CT scans to create a virtual airway reconstruction that is used as a roadmap during bronchoscopy. These systems assume similarity between the position of the nodule during bronchoscopy and the pre-procedure CT scan. However, there are multiple factors that suggest that such assumption maybe inaccurate. These include differences in positioning, breathing motion, and the presence of atelectasis. In this study, we evaluated the lung nodule position between pre-procedural CT to interprocedural cone-beam CT (CBCT). In addition, we assessed the ability of a novel augmented endobronchial fluoroscopic guidance system (LungVision, Body Vision Medical Ltd, Israel) to overcome those differences in real-time. This was a prospective study of 21 patients with 23 peripheral pulmonary nodules. CT scans were imported into the planning software and the physician identified the nodule and navigation pathway. CBCT (Philips Allura Xper FD20) was used to scan the patient during the procedure. LungVision was used for real-time navigation and guidance during biopsy. The divergence in nodule location between the pre-procedural CT and the interprocedural CBCT was measured. The average patient age was 69 ± 8.6, median nodule size was 18mm with 74% of the nodules in the upper lobes. The average divergence of the nodule was 14.11 ± 9.9mm. Successful navigation was verified by CBCT in 91% of cases. Malignancy was diagnosed in 20 of 23 nodules for a diagnostic yield of 87%. No adverse events were reported. This study demonstrates a significant divergence in lesion location between pre-procedural CT and intra-procedural CBCT during guided bronchoscopy. This finding indicates that the change in nodule position between the CT and bronchoscopy could have a great impact on the diagnostic success of the procedure. This movement, sometimes greater than the size of the nodule itself, can lead to an inaccurate localization when relying solely on virtual bronchoscopic or electromagnetic navigation. CT to patient divergence does not appear to influence the accuracy of this novel navigation platform. The system is capable of tracking the nodules dynamically and can compensate for changes in patient positioning and respiratory motion during both navigation and biopsy which leads to a high diagnostic yield.

Robot-assisted Partial Adrenalectomy for the Treatment of Conn's Syndrome: Surgical Technique, and Perioperative and Functional Outcomes

BackgroundIn the era of minimally invasive surgery, partial adrenalectomy has certainly been underused. We aimed to report surgical technique and perioperative, pathologic, and early functional outcomes of a two-center robot-assisted partial adrenalectomy (RAPA) series. ObjectiveTo detail surgical technique of RAPA for unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (UAPA), and to report perioperative and 1-yr functional outcomes. Design, setting, and participantsData of 10 consecutive patients who underwent RAPA for UAPA at two centers from June 2014 to April 2017 were prospectively collected and reported. Surgical procedureRAPA was performed using a standardized technique with the da Vinci Si in a three-arm configuration. MeasurementsBaseline and perioperative data were reported. One-year functional outcomes were assessed according to primary aldosteronism surgery outcome guidelines. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results and limitationsAll cases were completed robotically. Median nodule size was 18mm (interquartile range [IQR] 16–20). Intraoperative blood loss was negligible. A single (10%) postoperative Clavien grade 2 complication occurred. Median hospital stay was 3 d (IQR 2–3). Patients became normotensive immediately after surgery (median pre- and postoperative blood pressure: 150/90 and 120/70mmHg, respectively). At both 3-mo and 1-yr functional evaluation, all patients achieved biochemical success (aldosterone level, plasmatic renin activity, and aldosterone-renin ratio within normal range). Complete clinical success was achieved in nine patients, but one required low-dose amlodipine at 6-mo evaluation. At a median follow-up of 30.5 mo (IQR 19–42), neither symptoms nor imaging recurrence was observed. ConclusionsWe demonstrated feasibility and safety of RAPA for UAPA; this technique had very low risk of complications and excellent functional results. Increased availability of robotic platform and increasing robotic skills among urologists make RAPA a treatment option with potential for widespread use in urologic community. Patient summaryRobot-assisted partial adrenalectomy is a safe, feasible, and minimally invasive surgical approach. Promising perioperative and functional outcomes suggest an increasing adoption of this technique in the near future.

Percutaneous Computed Tomography-Guided Radiotracer-Assisted Localization of Difficult Pulmonary Nodules in Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery.

Objective: To report our institutional experience with radiotracer-assisted localization of lung nodules (RALN) in combination with uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UVATS). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records and radiology images of 27 consecutive adult patients who underwent planned UVATS lung resections combined with RALN from January 2014 to May 2017. Based on preoperative imaging, 29 nondescript nodules were marked with technetium 99 m macroaggregated albumin under computed tomography guidance before resection. Perioperative outcomes were analyzed. Results: All 29 nodules were successfully marked and resected with negative margins by UVATS; 12 (41.5%) were pure ground-glass opacities. Three patients had prior ipsilateral lung resections. There were no conversions to multiport VATS or thoracotomy. The majority (86.5%) of the nodules were malignant. The median nodule size was 8 mm (range: 3-20 mm) and depth, 56 mm (range: 22-150 mm). The majority (21/27; 77.8%) of patients underwent wedge resections alone, while 6 patients had anatomical resections. Median times were as follows: radiotracer injection to surgery, 219 minutes (range: 139-487 minutes); operative time, 85.5 minutes (32-236 minutes); chest tube removal, 1 day (range: 1-2 days); and length of stay, 2 days (range: 1-4 days). Four patients (14.8%) had a pigtail catheter placed for pneumothorax after radiotracer injection. One patient was readmitted 1 week after discharge for a spontaneous pneumothorax. There were no other morbidities or any 90-day mortality. Conclusion: RALN can be combined with UVATS to effectively resect small, deep, or low-density lung lesions that are difficult to visualize or palpate by thoracoscopy.

Learning curve of image-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for small pulmonary nodules: A prospective analysis of 30 initial patients

ObjectivesThe use of image-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for simultaneous localization and removal of small solitary pulmonary nodules in a hybrid operation room using C-arm cone-beam computed tomography is gaining momentum. We sought to assess the effect of the learning curve on procedural parameters and clinical outcomes of image-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for treating patients with small solitary pulmonary nodules. MethodsClinical variables and treatment outcomes of the 30 initial patients with solitary pulmonary nodules who were treated with image-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Taiwan) were prospectively analyzed. Two sequential groups (groups I and II, n = 15 each) were compared with regard to localization time, radiation doses, and success rates. We used the Pearson's correlation coefficient to investigate the association between the surgical experience and the procedural time. ResultsIn the entire cohort, the median size of solitary pulmonary nodules on preoperative computed tomography images was 6 mm (interquartile range, 4.5-9 mm), and their median distance from the pleural surface was 10 mm (interquartile range, 5-15 mm). The median tumor depth-to-size ratio was 1.4 (interquartile range, 0.7-2.5). The clinical parameters were similar between the 2 groups. There was an inverse association between the surgical experience and the procedural time (Pearson's r = −0.6873; P < .001). A significant reduction in localization time (median, 24 vs 49 minutes, respectively; P < .001) and radiation exposure (median, 70.7 vs 224 mGy, respectively; P < .001) was noted in group II (late patients) compared with group I (early patients). Notably, the success rates in groups II and I were similar (93.3% vs 86.7%, respectively; P = . 876). ConclusionsOur data demonstrate a significant learning curve for image-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of solitary pulmonary nodules as evidenced by decreased localization time and radiation exposure occurring with increased surgical experience.

Natural History of Contralateral Nodules After Lobectomy in Patients With Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Bilateral thyroid nodularity is considered an indication for total thyroidectomy in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the natural history and outcome of contralateral nodules have never been studied. To investigate the natural history of nonsuspicious contralateral nodules after lobectomy for PTC. We included patients who had one or more solid nodules (≥3 mm) in the contralateral lobe with benign cytology before surgery or small nonsuspicious nodules per ultrasonography. One hundred and twelve patients were included. Median age was 57 years, and median size of the PTC (initial lobectomy) was 8 mm (range, 0.5 to 28 mm). On the contralateral side, the median size of nodules was 7 mm (range, 3 to 30 mm). Thirty-three nodules (29%) had fine-needle aspiration (FNA) before surgery, and all were benign. After a median follow-up of 6 years, median growth was zero (range, -20 to 19 mm). Twenty-six nodules (23%) increased ≥3 mm in size (median, 6 mm; range, 4 to 19 mm). Twenty patients (18%) developed new nodules. Twelve patients (11%) underwent completion thyroidectomy for growth (three), suspicious FNA (seven; Bethesda III to V), malignancy (one), or unknown reason (one). Overall, according to the completion thyroidectomy specimen, six patients (5%) were diagnosed with contralateral PTC (five micro-PTCs, one 20 mm), and all were without evidence of disease at the end of follow-up. There were no surgical difficulties or local complications during completion surgery. Lobectomy for low-risk patients with a small PTC and nonsuspicious contralateral thyroid nodule(s) is a reliable and safe initial treatment option. In the few patients who required completion thyroidectomy, treatment with surgery and radioiodine was effective.