Concomitant electromagnetic navigation transbronchial microwave ablation of multiple lung nodules is safe, time-saving, and cost-effective.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Transbronchial microwave ablation of lung nodules using electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy is an emerging local therapy for lung oligometastases and multifocal lung cancers as part of a lung-preserving strategy. Concomitant ablation of multiple lung nodules in a single operating session may provide a one-stop solution. Methods: Between April 2019 and April 2023, 25 patients had 2 or more lung nodules ablated concomitantly in our hybrid operating room. Nodules were proven or highly suspicious of malignancies or metastases. Feasibility and safety were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 56 nodules in 25 patients received concomitant multi-nodular ablation. The mean age of patients was 60 years, and the reasons for the lung-preserving strategy were multifocal lung cancers (80%) and lung oligometastases (20%). Among those with multifocal disease, 65% had previous major lung resection for lung cancer. Two to 4 nodules were ablated in each session. The mean nodule size was 9.9 mm (range, 5-20 mm), and the mean minimal margin was 5.9 mm. When comparing concomitant nodule ablation with the 103 single-nodule ablations performed in our institute, a mean of 86 minutes of operative time and 131 minutes of anesthetic time were saved. There were no increased complications despite overlapping ablation zones, and the mean hospital stay was 1.23 days. The rate of pneumothorax was 8%, and that of pleural effusion, pain, and fever was 4% respectively. Conclusions: Concomitant transbronchial microwave ablation of multiple lung nodules is feasible, safe, and associated with reduction in overall anesthetic and operative time. It is an important armamentarium in the contemporary lung-preserving strategy for battling multifocal lung cancers or lung oligometastases.