A Safer Method for Diagnosing Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules

Navigational bronchoscopy matched the diagnostic accuracy of transthoracic needle biopsy — with far fewer complications.

Peripheral pulmonary nodules detected incidentally or during lung cancer screening can be investigated by either transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) or navigational bronchoscopy (NavBr). In NavBr, computer software incorporates information from computed tomography to guide the bronchoscopist to the peripheral lesion. Image-guided NavBr is safer than TTNB (e.g., less risk for pneumothorax) but historically less effective for sampling peripheral nodules. However, recent three-dimensional imaging developments in NavBr promise better diagnostic yields.

In this first head-to-head trial, investigators randomized 230 patients with peripheral pulmonary nodules (10–30 mm in diameter) to TTNB or NavBr. At 1-year follow-up, the diagnostic accuracy of Na…

Reviewing Authors

Steven T. Kariya, MD

Disclosures

Leadership positionBoard member of Metropolitan District of Columbia Thoracic Society

Steven T. Kariya, MD

Disclosures

Leadership positionBoard member of Metropolitan District of Columbia Thoracic Society

Raja-Elie E. Abdulnour, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Raja-Elie E. Abdulnour, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

A Safer Method for Diagnosing Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules

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Reviewing Authors