PLEURECTOMY WITH DECORTICATION (P/D)

The pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) is a life-extending surgery available for patients with pleural mesothelioma.

The pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) is a surgery to remove the lining of the lung affected by mesothelioma and all visible tumors in the chest area. Unlike the extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) — the other standard surgery for pleural mesothelioma — the P/D is a lung-sparing operation. Because it’s a less radical procedure, the P/D may also produce fewer complications and risks than the EPP.

Increased Life Expectancy: Patients with pleural mesothelioma who have received a pleurectomy with decortication are living longer than ever before. Some patients live years past their original prognosis.

Improved Quality of Life: Those who have a P/D experience fewer symptoms of mesothelioma after they recover from surgery. The removal of the affected lining reduces pain and makes it easier to breathe.

Spared Lung: There may be more requirements for P/D eligibility compared to the EPP, but patients who have a P/D don’t have their lung removed.

Talk to someone about your eligibility to receive a P/D now.

Not every patient diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma is eligible for a P/D. Though it presents less risk than an EPP, the P/D is still a major medical procedure that can put stress on the body. To be considered eligible, a patient must be in good overall health. Healthier patients can withstand the procedure better and recover faster.

The cancer stage of the tumor is important, too. The P/D is only effective for those diagnosed with early–stage mesothelioma that hasn’t spread too far from the lining of the lungs.

The P/D consists of two procedures: the pleurectomy and decortication. With the pleurectomy, a doctor removes any part of the lung’s lining affected by tumor growth. While the chest cavity is still open, the doctor then performs the decortication, removing all visible tumors on the surface of the lung and in the chest area.

Immediately after the procedure, hospital staff transfers the patient to a recovery room. Nurses track the patient’s vitals — including heart rate, blood pressure and breathing — and watch closely for any post-operative complications.

Patients also receive oxygen via a face mask to help your lungs work back up to normal function. The attending physician may insert a tube into the chest to drain extra blood, fluid, or air that collected in the lungs during the operation. These tubes are connected to a portable bag or bottle, which can usually be removed after two days. Patients can’t eat or drink for at least a few hours after the P/D, but hospital staff provides patients with nourishing fluids through an intravenous (IV) drip.

A day after the procedure, a physiotherapist teaches breathing exercises to help patients strengthen their lungs. Within a week, patients are likely allowed to continue recovery at home.

Risks: Like any surgical procedure, the P/D can cause complications after surgery. Though rare, potential complications include:

 

Benefits: Patients take less time to recover from a P/D than an EPP — mainly because the P/D doesn’t require the removal of a lung. Patients experience an improvement in quality of life. About 90 percent of pleural mesothelioma patients who have a P/D experience a reduction of symptoms.

You can also learn more about mesothelioma and treatment options in our informational guide about mesothelioma. Request a free copy today.