Key Elements

• Precise and reliable localization of small, non-palpable lung nodules is a significant clinical challenge for thoracic surgeons.
• The appropriate choice of nodule localization technique involves a careful consideration of the risks and benefits associated with each method.
• A combination of more than one localization strategy may be used to target a single nodule, and potential salvage strategies should be considered prior to surgery in case of localization failure with the initial attempt.
• Advances in localization techniques are at the forefront of clinical thoracic surgery research, so the breadth of possible strategies will likely evolve in the coming years.