Outcomes of the electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy using forceps for lung lesion suspected malignancy: A retrospective study

Abstract

Many studies have reported electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) diagnostic yields and the importance of size and computed tomography (CT) bronchus sign. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic yield of ENB alone, using forceps biopsy and cytology. We analyzed the factors associated with yield and complications according to gross specimen size. This retrospective study included patients who underwent ENB using forceps for suspected lung lesions on CT between January 2020 and December 2022 in South Korea. Factors related to the ENB diagnostic yield and complications were evaluated, and the impacts of gross specimen size and cytology were analyzed. A total of 276 patients were analyzed. The final diagnostic yield was 75.5% after excluding indeterminate cases. Sensitivity and specificity were 74.2% and 100%, respectively. Pneumothorax developed in 1.4% (4/276) of cases, with no grade 3 or higher bleeding. Univariable analysis showed that the number of biopsies and the size of the gross specimen were related to the diagnosis. Multivariable analyses showed that a larger lesion size on CT was a significant factor for diagnosis. The gross size of the specimens was not significantly associated with epinephrine use. ENB had acceptable diagnostic yield and safety for diagnosing lung lesions with suspected malignancy. Obtaining more tissue through biopsy may not increase bleeding or pneumothorax complications. Identifying patients with lesion characteristics, including CT bronchus sign, would help increase ENB diagnostic yield.

Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy Learning Curve Regarding Pneumothorax Rate and Diagnostic Yield

“…As delineated by Pickering and colleagues, ENB is characterised by a pre-procedural chest CT of the patient that creates a three-dimensional (3D) virtual airway map through which the surgeon navigates to locate lung nodules for biopsy as well as interventions such as dye marking before resection [ 1 ]. It has a notably superior diagnostic yield compared to conventional bronchoscopy; however, the occurrence of pneumothorax remains frequent with variability in diagnostic yield [ 2 , 3 ]. Our study explored the diagnostic yield and pneumothorax rate of ENB at Castle Hill Hospital, UK, exploring learning curves and changes in statistics over four years.…”