Understanding Postoperative Pleural Empyema in Mesothelioma Patients

Understanding Postoperative Pleural Empyema in Mesothelioma Patients

ByHolly Zink

Pleural mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure, can be challenging to treat. Surgery is a key part of the treatment plan for patients with a chance for a cure. But after surgery, complications can occur. One such complication is pleural empyema, a serious chest infection. It can affect patient recovery. A recent study looked at the factors that could increase the risk of empyema. Identifying Risk Factors The study was at the University Hospital of Zurich. It analyzed data from 400 patients. They had surgery for pleural mesothelioma between September 1999 and February 2023. Of these patients, 12.5% developed postoperative empyema. The analysis revealed something interesting. Patients who had EPP had a much higher risk of getting pleural empyema…

Empyema After Mesothelioma Surgery: Avoiding a Serious Complication
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Empyema After Mesothelioma Surgery: Avoiding a Serious Complication

ByAlex Strauss

A new study of a rare condition called empyema after mesothelioma surgery shows it can dramatically lengthen hospital stay and shorten survival.  Empyema refers to pockets of pus in the pleural space around the lungs. It is the result of a lingering bacterial infection. Empyema is a serious complication in people who have surgery for pleural mesothelioma.  The new study comes from the International Mesothelioma Program at Boston’s Brigham & Women’s Hospital. It finds that patients with empyema after mesothelioma surgery live half as long as those without it. They also spend a lot more time in the hospital.  The researchers say air leaking from the lungs can raise the risk for this complication. In their new report, they offer…