Immediate localization using ultrasound-guided hookwire marking of peripheral lung tumors in the operating room.

A new method of marking peripheral lung tumors using an ultrasound-guided hookwire has been developed. The procedure was done for nine tumors taking 15-20 min for each method in the operating room; all of them had no complications. In eight cases (89%), the wire tips were shown to be located within the tumor itself or within 5 mm from the targets, close enough to support appropriate surgery. Ultrasound-guided hookwire marking of peripheral tumors can provide appropriate guidance and prove effective in immediately facilitating subsequent thoracoscopic resection.