If you need to undergo a lung removal due to mesothelioma, it’s typically combined with radiation therapy and chemo treatments. If you can’t tolerate the surgery, your doctor may prescribe that you undergo a less invasive procedure to remove fluid build-up from the lungs. It’s essential to consult a mesothelioma lawyer to ensure you receive the compensation needed for your ongoing care.
Speak to a Mesothelioma Lawyer to Ensure Your Future Care
Whatever the case, it’s important to talk to a mesothelioma lawyer to ensure you receive full compensation. This money will cover your ongoing care and medical costs from prior treatments.
Types of Lung Removal Surgeries
The two main types of lung removal procedures include extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy and decortication. The following information defines each of these procedures.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)
This mesothelioma procedure is often recommended for patients who are basically healthy but who are diagnosed with early-stage pleural mesothelioma. If the cancer can be completely removed, or is resectable through surgery, an extrapleural pneumonectomy or EPP is often prescribed.
This surgery is performed to remove the lung, parts of the chest and heart linings, diaphragm, and lymph nodes. It may be combined with radiation and chemotherapy treatments. However, given its complexity, the procedure is only performed in cancer centers by specialized and experienced surgeons.
During the surgery, the doctor creates an incision in the side or front of the patient’s body, close to the rib cage. This allows them to remove as much cancer as possible. You’ll usually receive chemotherapy before the procedure. If you’re in the early stages, chemotherapy is administered after the surgery. Taking this approach may prevent the condition from returning to other parts of the body.
After an EPP, you’ll remain hospitalized for at least seven days. During this period, you may begin pulmonary and physical rehabilitation to support breathing. You may also need to undergo several months of outpatient rehabilitation during recovery.
Pleurectomy and Decortication (P/D)
A pleurectomy and decortication or P/D is performed to remove the lining around the lung and any cancerous spots of the lining around the diaphragm and heart. This procedure spares removing the entire lung. Therefore, the American Society of Clinical Oncology supports a P/D as the preferred choice of surgery for pleural mesothelioma.
Around 20 percent to 30 percent of people with mesothelioma qualify for a P/D. The surgery releases the portion of the lung that’s been limited by the cancer. It’s the goal of the surgeon to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Hospital recovery takes from 7 days to 10 days, with rehabilitation included.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Most diagnoses involving mesothelioma do not catch the disease until it reaches an advanced stage. Therefore, a cure isn’t possible for most patients. Instead, a doctor may focus on controlling the cancer so the patient can feel more comfortable.
Getting Ready for Lung Removal Surgery
To prepare for surgery, your healthcare provider will give you specific directions. These directions will cover when you should stop eating and drinking and if you’ll need to stop taking any prescribed medications. If you smoke, you’ll need to stop smoking immediately before the procedure.
Preoperative Testing
You’ll usually have to undergo preoperative testing. These tests may include a blood test, a physical exam, chest X-ray, and a CT scan.
Learning More About Post-Operative Care
Before your procedure, ask your physician about what to expect after your surgery. For example, ask them what activities you’ll need to avoid and what side effects to expect. What will you need to do to manage them?
Dress Properly
On the day of your lung removal surgery, you should wear comfortable and loose clothes. Don’t wear jewelry or any other valuables. Leave them at home.
Other Considerations
Patients who undergo lung removal surgery may also have certain priorities to consider.
- Your Current Condition – If you’re elderly or in frail health–losing weight or experiencing discomfort–you may have an increased risk of complications.
- Lymph Nodes and Clinical Trials – If you have positive lymph nodes, you may be subject to clinical trials before your procedure.
The Risks of Lung Removal Surgery
Though it does not happen as frequently as it once did, some patients may die from the complications of EPP. That’s why it’s recommended that you choose a healthcare facility that has surgeons who are experienced and familiar with these procedures.
Undergoing a Procedure for Draining Lung Fluid Build-Up
If you have been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma but can’t tolerate the impact of a major surgery, your doctor may recommend a less invasive procedure. This procedure involves the placement of a catheter – used to drain the accumulated fluid in the linings of the chest or abdomen.
During the minor procedure, the surgeon implants a thin yet flexible tube in the chest or abdomen. The catheter is primarily concealed, with the exception of a small valve that appears on the exterior of the body. To drain fluid build-up, the patient attaches the valve to a bottle that contains a small vacuum.
The vacuum is used to remove the fluid from the chest or abdomen. Your healthcare provider will demonstrate how to use the vacuum at home. Drainage takes around 15 minutes and is typically done every other day or every two days, on average.
Pleurodesis
Another fluid-draining approach, used for patients who can’t tolerate a major procedure, is pleurodesis. During this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the patient’s chest and inserts a lighted tube called a thoracoscope. Chemotherapy drugs or talc is used to replace the lighted tube to intentionally inflame the lining and stop fluid build-up.
If you opt for this procedure, you’ll typically need to stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring and pain management.
Why It Pays to Speak to a Mesothelioma Lawyer, Call Now
The costs of a procedure, which adds years to your life, can be expensive. That is why you need to rely on the investigatory and negotiation skills of a mesothelioma attorney.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to make sure you receive the maximum compensation to pay for your medical care. Your experienced personal injury attorney can make it easier for you to realize a better outcome. Talk to a mesothelioma attorney at Vogelzang Law today to ensure you receive what you need for better care.
