Whenever a foreign object such as
a needle, knife or tube is placed into the body, swelling or drainage are
normal side effects. In fact, open drainage is recommended during the healing
process. Mesothelioma patients may notice inflammation or fluid accumulation at
the incision site.
Common incision sites for
mesothelioma surgeries include:
Extrapleural pneumonectomy
- Incision begins on the
patient's back under the shoulder blade and continues to the space at the sixth
rib.
Pleurectomy/decortication
- Incision is made on the
patient's abdomen above the fifth rib; incision may also be made at the seventh
rib if the diaphragm is affected.
Thoractomy
- Incision is made under the
arm/breast or between the ribs.
Pleurodesis
- Surgeon makes either one large
incision from the shoulder blade to the ribs OR several small ports on the
patient's side.
Paracentisis
- Needle is inserted directly
into the abdomen.
Mild swelling, draining or
bruising of the injured tissues are common and will usually resolve themselves
on their own within a few days or weeks. But if any of these symptoms occur in
excess, you should contact your doctor. Excessive inflammation or foul-smelling
drainage at the surgery site may be a sign of infection, so call your
mesothelioma specialist or treatment team right away if this happens. Other signs of infection include redness and a
warm/tingling sensation. Post-operative infection should be controlled under a
doctor's care, but it is imperative to report it immediately to prevent the
infection from becoming fatal.
Bleeding
Bleeding at the incision site is
also normal after a surgery for mesothelioma. Most patients will experience
minimal bleeding that poses no threat to overall health, and the body will be
able to regenerate any blood that has been lost. However, some patients may
begin bleeding at the incision site during their recovery. This may occur
spontaneously or as the result of over-stretching or otherwise damaging the
incision area.
Patients can control bleeding by
gently cleaning the area, applying a dry dressing and contacting their doctor
for further instructions. Patients can also quickly and easily control bleeding
by applying light, direct pressure. If bleeding becomes extensive, seek
immediate attention. Call 911 if you begin to lose large quantities of blood.
Fatigue
Even after any anesthesia wears
off, patients may still feel fatigued from the basic bodily stress that occurs
with an invasive procedure, especially a major operation such an extrapleural
pneumonectomy or a pleurectomy/decortication. The body requires a large
quantity of energy to heal itself, often leaving little energy for the patient
to perform daily activities. The fatigue may be intensified if the patient does
not eat enough food or get enough rest to restore the body's energy levels.
Quick tip: To help combat
fatigue, patients should nap when they feel exhausted and/or increase the
frequency of their meals.