Surgery in the treatment of Mesothelioma

In the first stage of cancer, surgery can work effectively to remove the affected section of pleura, if the infection remains localized. This is possible only in the case of pleural Mesothelioma because in case of peritoneal Mesothelioma cure by surgery is not possible. The removal of pleura or the effected part of the pleura is called pleurectomy or decortication. In case of removal of some allied portion of pleura along with the tumor is called the surgical process of extra-pneumonectomy. In case of peritoneal Mesothelioma, if surgery is done, it is to heal or to provide relief for the ailing patients. Sometimes surgery is combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

In the process of surgery the post operative period is divided into three phases, which are not equal in duration but for successful recovery, the management of all these aspects are essential. The consecutive postoperative stages are drips and necessity of drainage
Pain Management
Release from Hospital
Drips are need to be administered for the patient for first 2-3 days when the patient is not allowed to move up from bed and food intake is not allowed. Drip is given with lactose and glucose, as per prescription, and in intravenous manner. Drainages are set for excretory process to continue.
Pain management is the vital problem of post surgery period and initially as backup painkiller is given. According to the prescription of the doctor, the dose of painkiller is changed and it is withdrawn by 3-10 days after operation. Still chest pain in mild proportion may persist for a longer period.
Release form hospital includes the coming back in normal life though bed rest and other precaution need to be taken for a considerable period according to doctor’s advice and patient’s improvement. In this period, advice from a physiotherapist as well as of a counselor is much required. Swimming and walking are good exercise for the patients of pleural Mesothelioma operation but everything should be done under the advice of concerned medical advice.