Surgical staging and treatment in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Revista Portuguesa de Pneumologia. 2005 Nov-Dec;11(6 Suppl 1):18. [Link]

Matilla J, Felix F, Polo M, Rodrigues C, Moreira E, Godinho T.

Servico de Cirurgia Toracica. Hospital Pulido Valente SA.

Abstract

Malignant peural mesothelioma is still one of the greatest therapeutic challenges for Pneumologists and Thoracic Surgeons. Latest results show great improvements in the fight against this terrible desease.

Objectives: surgical approach analyse, including staging methods, in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Material and methods: 10 cases were analysed, 7 male and 3 female, with a median age of 63,2 years, which were operated betwen January 2000 and August 2005 diagnosed of epithelial mesothelioma. Surgical staging was perfomed by mediastinoscopy and thoracoscopy. Surgical resection was achieved in 8 patients: pleuropneumonectomy in 2 first patients and extrapleural pneumonectomy with reconstruction of hemi-diaphragm and pericardium in 6 cases; in the other 2 cases exploratory thoracotomy was permormed.

Results: In this series two complications were reported: one diaphragmatic hernia and one postpneumonectomy empyema which were solved with re operation; one single case of peri-operative mortality was reported. 5-Years survival data will be available soon. *Videos of every procedure will be shown.