Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
An extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) involves the removal of a cancerous lung as well as parts of the chest lining, heart lining, nearby lymph nodes and diaphragm. The surgery, which is quite serious, is used almost exclusively in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Although surgery is not always suggested, it may help control tumor growth. EPP is one of those surgeries.
EPP is performed on patients in the early stages of mesothelioma where the lymph nodes are not yet involved and the cancer has not spread to surrounding organs. This allows for the maximum amount of cancerous tissue to be removed. Because mesothelioma is usually not diagnosed until it reaches Stage 3 or 4, many victims of the disease are not considered viable candidates for this surgery.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy can also help ease breathing and improve general quality of life. After recovery, patients will feel more comfortable, allowing them to return to their daily tasks or even resume working.
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Benefits of Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
Because EPP removes most of the cancerous tissue, the procedure can increase the life span of a mesothelioma patient. When combined with regimens of chemotherapy or radiation, it can increase a patient’s life span by months or, in some cases, years.
Studies have shown that, in general, patients have better long-term survival rates when they undergo extrapleural pneumonectomy rather than pleurectomy/decortication.
About the Procedure
Extrapleural pneumonectomy was first used in the 1940s to treat tuberculosis. During the early years of its use, the surgery resulted in a high mortality rate. Improvements have significantly improved the survival rate.
An extrapleural pneumonectomy is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision, approximately nine to 10 inches long, either in the front of the body or on the side. Once the incision is made, the doctor will inspect for diseased tissue and remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. This will include the entire cancerous lung, as well as parts of the pericardium, diaphragm, and parietal pleura, as well as close lymph nodes.
It is important that the cancer is confined to one lung and has not spread to any surrounding organs. Most mesothelioma patients are not viable candidates for this surgery, since the cancer usually is not diagnosed until it has progressed beyond the lung.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery from such a serious surgery can be very slow. Respirators are used for the first few days to help patients breathe, and drainage tubes minimize the buildup of fluid. Patients generally stay in the hospital for at least two weeks after the surgery. Patients’ conditions are monitored closely, since complications are not unusual with this procedure.
The total recovery period is at least six to eight weeks but is often longer. Patients must remember that an extrapleural pneumonectomy is a major surgery. They generally are advised to take their recoveries slowly and get plenty of rest in the months following the procedure. The remaining lung must be given ample time to take over all lung functions.
Learn More on How to Reach Out for Support During RecoveryGet a Second Opinion
It is well-known that mesothelioma patients benefit from a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist. In some cases, a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist could result in more treatment options such as surgery. For help finding a qualified mesothelioma specialist, use the Mesothelioma Center's free Doctor Match program.
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Last Modified Monday, May 14th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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