Pulmonary nodules precision localization techniques

The advent of helical high-resolution CT scanners, the application of screening programs and the follow-up of patient with oncological history, led to an increasing number of diagnosis of small pulmonary nodule (less than 10 mm in maximum diameter), partially solid nodule or completely ground glass ones. Their management is controversial. Excisional biopsy by mean of video-assisted thoracic surgery is often a viable choice but to locate these lesions intraoperatively can be impossible without the aid of preoperative or intraoperative localization techniques. In this brief review we will analyze the benefit of adopting localization techniques prior to pulmonary resection for small pulmonary lesions and face the advantages and problems with the main techniques described in the literatures.