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…

Lung Scarring and Mesothelioma Surgery
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Lung Scarring and Mesothelioma Surgery

ByHolly Zink

Mesothelioma patients with scarring on their lungs may have more complications after surgery. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that often affects the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. If asbestos fibers are inhaled, it can become trapped in the membrane lining the lungs. This membrane is called the pleura. The trapped asbestos fibers can irritate the pleura. Over time, this long-term irritation causes scarring of the lungs. Doctors call this “pleural thickening”. It is possible for the scar tissue to become thick enough to impair breathing. A common treatment for mesothelioma is surgery. A surgeon will remove as much of the mesothelioma tumors as possible. This is often followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Receiving surgery can be…

Glucose Solution May Prevent Complication After Pleural Mesothelioma Surgery
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Glucose Solution May Prevent Complication After Pleural Mesothelioma Surgery

ByAlex Strauss

There is new evidence that a solution of hypertonic glucose can help correct persistent air leak –  a complication that sometimes occurs after major pleural mesothelioma surgery. Pleural mesothelioma affects the membrane that surrounds the lungs. Efforts to surgically separate a mesothelioma tumor from the surface of the lungs can damage the lungs.  When this damage causes air to seep out of the lungs into the chest cavity, it is an air leak. Some air leaks fix themselves within a few days. But when an air leak persists for more than 5 days, it can cause further complications and slow recovery after pleural mesothelioma surgery.  A team of thoracic oncologists in Milan, Italy say hypertonic glucose can help clear up…