Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
- Very radical. Used only on
pleural mesothelioma patients. Surgeon makes a nine-inch incision and removes
the entire affected lung, pleura and any other visible tumor.
Pleurectomy/Decortication
- Somewhat radical. Used only on
pleural mesothelioma patients. Surgeon makes one or two incisions, separates
the ribs and removes the pleura/other visible tumor.
Thoractomy
- Somewhat radical. Used only on
pleural mesothelioma patients. Surgeon deflates the lung and removes all
visible tumor, then places a tube in the chest to drain the remaining fluid.
Pleurodesis
- Not radical. Used only on
pleural mesothelioma patients. Surgeon inserts a thin tube into the chest and
drains or suctions out any fluid. Talc may be "flurried" (inserted)
into the pleural space to absorb extra fluid.
Paracentisis
- Not radical. Used for
peritoneal mesothelioma patients. Surgeon inserts a needle into the abdominal
cavity and extracts the fluid.