Ultrasound versus manipulation to determine an intercostal space for single-port thoracoscopy surgery: a diagnostic accuracy study

Background Malposition of the intercostal space used for single-port thoracoscopy surgery can lead to problems. This study was to assess the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound in verifying the position of intercostal space. Methods A total of 200 patients, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status I or II, who underwent single-port thoracoscopic lobectomy, were enrolled. After the induction of anesthesia, a thoracic team confirmed the incision position. Firstly, the intercostal space was located by a young resident thoracic surgeon by ultrasound. Secondly, the intercostal space was located by an experienced thoracic surgeon by manipulation. Finally, the investigator verified the location of the intercostal space under direct vision through thoracoscopy, which was recognized as standard method. The time required by ultrasound and manipulation were recorded. Results The inter-relationships between ultrasound and the standard method and between manipulation and the standard method were consistent. Manipulation positioning showed a sensitivity of 90.6% and specificity of 30% while ultrasound positioning showed a sensitivity of 87.1% and specificity of 60%. The specificity of ultrasound positioning was higher than that of manipulation position. The time required by ultrasound was shorter than that required by manipulation. Conclusions Compared with the manipulation method, the ultrasound-guided method could accurately locate the intercostal space. Ultrasound requires less time than manipulation.