World J Surg Oncol. 2025 Oct 8;23(1):360. doi: 10.1186/s12957-025-04021-8.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules is crucial for sublobar resection under thoracoscopy; however, controversy persists over the optimal localization method in terms of accuracy and safety. This study evaluates a novel technique integrating indocyanine green (ICG) with medical adhesive for pulmonary nodule localization.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center retrospective cohort, 168 consecutive patients (188 pulmonary nodules ≤ 2 cm) undergoing preoperative localization followed by uniportal thoracoscopic resection (July 2023 to June 2024) were divided into two groups: ICG combined with medical adhesive group (n = 86) versus medical adhesive group (n = 82). Localization outcomes, related complications, surgical and pathological outcomes were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS: There were no deaths or serious complications. All nodules were successfully resected thoracoscopically. The combined group demonstrated a shorter operative duration than the medical adhesive group (46.3 ± 6.7 min vs. 53.1 ± 5.9 min, P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were identified in surgical type, length of stay, duration of drain tube retention, and total postoperative drainage volume between the two groups (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The combined use of ICG and medical adhesive for preoperative localization in uniportal thoracoscopic sublobar resection of small pulmonary nodules reduces operative time compared with medical adhesive positioning and demonstrates favorable safety profiles.
PMID:41063249 | DOI:10.1186/s12957-025-04021-8
