Use of a radiofrequency identification system for precise sublobar resection of small lung cancers

Background The incidence of sublobar resection is increasing because of the rise in the detection of small lung cancers. However, local recurrence needs to be addressed, and several methods are needed for the resection with secure margins of non-visible and non-palpable tumors. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the use of a radiofrequency identification (RFID) system in sublobar resection of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) at our institute. Results From June 2020 to June 2022, 39 patients underwent sublobar resection for AIS or MIA. The median age was 69 years (interquartile range, 64–76). Among the 39 patients, 24 were diagnosed with AIS and 15 with MIA. Segmentectomy, subsegmentectomy, and wedge resection were performed in nine, six, and 24 patients, respectively. The median size of the target tumor was 9.0 mm (8.1–12.9) and the median distance between the tag and the tumor was 2.9 mm (0–7.5). The median pathological surgical margin was 15.0 mm (10–17.5). Complete resection of all lesions was performed with a secure surgical margin. The median follow-up duration was 6 months, during which no local recurrence was detected in any of the patients. Conclusions The RFID marking system accurately informed the surgeons of the tumor location and helped them to perform precise sublobar resection.