Roughly how long does a mesothelioma surgery take?
Posted on: March 8, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024The duration of mesothelioma surgery can vary significantly depending on the type of procedure being performed, the extent of the disease, and the patient’s overall health condition. Here’s a brief example of the types of surgeries:
- Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D) plus Chemotherapy: This surgery involves the removal of the lining of the lung (pleura) and any visible tumor masses or nodules on the lung surface. When combined with chemotherapy, this procedure typically lasts between 6 to 7 hours, although it can take longer depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s condition. This type of surgery aims to remove as much tumor tissue as possible while preserving lung function.
- Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) plus Chemotherapy: Cytoreductive surgery is aimed at reducing the tumor load in the body. In the context of mesothelioma, this might involve removing as much of the tumor as possible from the chest cavity, and it is often combined with chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. This procedure generally lasts between 6 to 9 hours but may also extend beyond that time frame depending on the specific circumstances of the surgery.
The length of mesothelioma surgery can be influenced by various factors, including the specific technique used, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health. Therapeutic surgeries, which are aimed at removing as much cancer tissue as possible, tend to last longer than diagnostic surgeries, which are performed to confirm the presence of cancer and assess its stage.
It’s important for patients and their families to discuss with their surgical team what to expect in terms of surgery duration, as well as recovery times and potential complications. This can help in preparing for the procedure and managing expectations regarding the recovery process.