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Ultrasound-guided wire localisation of head and neck lymph nodes: a literature search and case series

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 March 2025

Bradley John Storey*
Affiliation:
Imaging Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
Rachel Ho
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
Tassadaque Malik
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
Richard Chaytor
Affiliation:
Imaging Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
Richard Williams
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
Andrew Hope
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
Peter Cantin
Affiliation:
Imaging Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
*
Corresponding author: Bradley Storey; Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Objectives

Ultrasound-guided wire localisation may improve intra-operative identification and outcomes of non-palpable cervical lymphadenopathy in a previously treated neck. We undertook a literature search and present our case series to determine the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided wire localisation.

Methods

A search of databases up to 29 April 2024 was performed. At our tertiary centre, ultrasound-guided wire localisation was utilised for 20 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy between February 2021 and April 2024.

Results

Seventeen studies with a combined total of 92 patients were identified, with one complication reported. Within our case series, all 20 patients had accurate lesion localisation using ultrasound-guided wire localisation and none required repeat operations.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided wire localisation is a safe and cost-effective technique for lesions in an otherwise difficult area to operate, providing confidence to the multidisciplinary team, particularly where histopathology indicates benignity. Surgical outcomes do not appear worse than outcomes without ultrasound-guided wire localisation. We advocate its use provided appropriate patient selection is considered.

Type
Main Article
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED.

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Footnotes

Bradley Storey takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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