Surgical Treatment for Mesothelioma
For mesothelioma patients, it is not uncomment for fluid to buildup in
and around the lungs in an area known as the pleura. This fluid buildup
can make it difficult to breathe.
Doctors call this fluid collection a pleural
effusion. The fluid prevents the lung from being able to expand fully when the
patient takes a breath. Therefore, as it builds up, the collected fluid
will cause shortness of breath.
There is a type of surgical treatment that can stop fluid buildup and relieve the
symptoms of pleural effusion. This type of treatment is called
pleurodesis and it works by closing the space between pleura with talc or an antibiotic.
The talc or antibiotic, whichever the doctor decides to use, will effectively
irritate the pleura, causing them to stick together and close the gap.
Without the gap, there is nowhere for fluid to collect.
Pleurodesis is often performed as an outpatient procedure, but this depends
on the general health of the patient. Some patients who undergo pleurodesis
have to be admitted to the hospital and remain overnight, especially if
there is a lot of fluid. The more fluid there is, the longer it will take
to drain off.
Pleurodesis Is Not a Cancer Treatment
While pleurodesis does not treat cancer, it alleviates one of its most
severe symptoms, which is difficulty breathing due to pleural effusion.
If you are a mesothelioma patient suffering from breathlessness, talk
to your doctor about pleurodesis
surgery.
Two Ways to Perform the Procedure
There are two main types of pleurodesis procedures –
- Thoracoscopic Tal Pleurodesis
- Bedside Talc Slurry Pleurodesis
With the former, a patient undergoes general anesthesia and the surgeon
collapses the lung in order to access the pleural cavity to drain the
fluid. With the latter, a chest drain is inserted at the bedside via local
anesthetic.
Pros and Cons of Pleurodesis
As with any procedure, there are possible risks and possible rewards.
Pleurodesis Pros
- All the pleural fluid can be removed
- The lung can expand again
- The patient will be able to breath more freely
- Mitigates the risk of fluid buildup returning
- Patient will not have to go back to the hospital for pleural taps
Pleurodesis Cons
- Some pleurodesis procedures can cause air leaks in the lungs
- Patient might experience pain after the procedure
- In some cases, the lung does not re-expand
- Patients might contract an infection
Doctors also do not usually recommend pleurodesis for patients who are
also taking blood-thinning drugs like aspirin, warfarin, Plavix, and certain
arthritis drugs.