🛠️ What Is Pleurectomy/Decortication for Mesothelioma?
A Lung-Sparing Surgery to Remove Tumors in the Pleura
Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D) is a surgical procedure used to treat pleural mesothelioma by removing the cancerous pleural lining surrounding the lungs, as well as any visible tumors on the diaphragm, pericardium, and chest wall — without removing the lung itself.
It is one of the two major surgical options for pleural mesothelioma, often used when patients are not candidates for more aggressive surgeries like extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP).
Source: American Cancer Society
🩻 What Happens During P/D Surgery?
P/D surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and involves:
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Pleurectomy
Removal of the parietal and visceral pleura (the outer and inner linings of the lung) where mesothelioma tumors form. -
Decortication
Surgical peeling of tumors from the surface of the lung, diaphragm, and pericardium, while preserving lung function. -
Lymph Node Sampling or Removal
May be done to check for cancer spread.
Surgeons aim to achieve macroscopic complete resection — meaning all visible tumors are removed.
🧬 Who Qualifies for Pleurectomy/Decortication?
P/D is most effective for patients who meet these criteria:
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Diagnosed with early-stage pleural mesothelioma
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Epithelioid cell type (more responsive to surgery)
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Good overall health and lung function
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No distant metastasis
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Not eligible for lung-removal surgery (EPP)
Doctors may use imaging tests and pulmonary function tests to determine eligibility.
⚖️ Benefits of P/D Over Other Surgeries
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Preserves both lungs for better post-surgical breathing
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Fewer complications than extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)
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Improves quality of life by reducing tumor burden
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May be combined with chemotherapy or radiation
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Shorter hospital stay and recovery in some cases
P/D is often part of a multimodal treatment plan and can be repeated if recurrence occurs.
⚠️ Risks and Recovery
As with any major thoracic surgery, P/D carries some risks:
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Bleeding or infection
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Air leaks or fluid buildup
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Blood clots or pneumonia
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Pain and scarring
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Lung function complications (rare)
Recovery usually requires a hospital stay of 7–10 days, with full recovery taking 6–12 weeks. Pulmonary rehab may be needed.
📈 Success Rates and Prognosis
Patients undergoing P/D often experience improved survival and comfort:
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Median survival with surgery + other treatments: 20–35 months
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Best outcomes in early-stage, epithelioid cases
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Better quality of life compared to more radical procedures
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Some long-term survivors live 3–5+ years
Source: Journal of Thoracic Oncology
🔬 P/D in Clinical Trials
Current research is testing ways to improve P/D outcomes:
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P/D + heated chemotherapy (HITHOC)
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P/D + immunotherapy combinations
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P/D + radiation before or after surgery
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Minimally invasive P/D using robotic-assisted tools
Visit ClinicalTrials.gov to find options near you.
💼 Legal and Financial Considerations
P/D costs can reach $50,000–$150,000, depending on hospital, recovery time, and other therapies. Compensation can help with:
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Surgery and hospital bills
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Medications, imaging, and rehab
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Lost income during recovery
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Travel or lodging at treatment centers
👨⚖️ How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
An experienced asbestos attorney can:
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Identify exposure sources at work or in military service
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Secure trust fund or lawsuit compensation for surgery costs
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Help veterans access VA surgical benefits
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Assist families with wrongful death support
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Charge no fee unless your case wins
📞 Free Legal Help for Pleural Mesothelioma Surgery
If you or a loved one are planning or recovering from P/D surgery for mesothelioma, legal assistance can help fund your care.
Call Now: 800.291.0963
• No upfront cost
• No payment unless your case wins
• Surgery and exposure evidence included
• Help for workers, families, and veterans
Or request help online 24/7