Mesothelioma

Pleurectomy with Decortication

A potentially curative procedure, a pleurectomy with decortication is performed on patients with Stage I or Stage II mesothelioma. A pleurectomy aims to remove the affected pleura and free the underlying lung so it can expand properly. If the entire tumor cannot be removed without extracting the lung, a pneumonectomy can also be performed.

Literally translated as "stripping away of a rind," a decortication is a surgical technique that peels away the restrictive fibrous layer from the lung. The goal of this mesothelioma surgery is to re-expand the lung to improve lung function and relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath.

Typically performed in a hospital operating room, a pleurectomy requires that the patient receives general anesthesia. During the surgery, the doctor will make a cut above the affected area. In some cases, the 6th rib may be removed to make it easier to access the pleural cavity. Next, the diseased area of pleural lining, along with some underlying lung tissue, will be extracted. Some surgeons may also remove the diaphragm or pericardium if malignancy is indicated. After the surgery, the oncologist may order radiation therapy or chemotherapy to ensure the disease has been eradicated.

Mesothelioma patients take at least a month to recover after a pleurectomy. The doctor may recommend light physical activity, in combination with deep breathing techniques to prevent infection. In addition, the patient should make sure their dressing is kept clean and dry.

If the cancer does not spread following the pleurectomy, most patients can return to their normal routines after four to six weeks. This relies heavily on the patient, as the doctor will suggest a patient-specific recovery plan.

Undergoing a pleurectomy is not without risk. A pleurectomy with decortication is considered a radical procedure because of the large amount of tissue resection and the invasive techniques needed to finish the surgery. Patients may face a long recovery period and a number of complications. However, most doctors feel that eligible patients should receive a pleurectomy to increase their potential for long-term survival.

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