Surgery is a specific branch of medicine that employs manual and/or mechanical techniques to investigate/probe, excise/remove, improve/repair damaged tissue or diseased substances within the body. Surgical procedures for asbestos related diseases such as lung cancer or mesothelioma are most often palliative (pain and symptoms) measures. Based on the type, location and stage or the disease, the following surgical procedures are used to reduce the diseases effects and in some cases may extend life.
Mesothelioma Surgery

Additional Surgeries
Peritoneal (Abdomen) Mesothelioma Surgery
Pericardial (Heart) Mesothelioma Surgery
Paracentesis
Paracentesis is a surgical procedure of the bodily cavity/abdomen to draw off fluid, peritoneal effusion. This excess abdominal fluid is removed through a tube taking pressure off the internal organs and is a therapeutic or palliative treatment.
Pericardiocentesis
Pericardiocentesis is a surgical procedure removing excess pericardial fluid from the sac surrounding the heart. The surgeon inserts a needle into the pericardium to draw off the excess fluid.
Cytoreductive Surgery
Cytoreductive surgery, often referred to as debunking, is the surgical removal of part of a malignant tumor that cannot be completely excised. This operation is usually long and extensive, taking several hours to perform but enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation. Studies have shown some patients living up to 5 years later depending on the patient’s physical condition and the advanced stage of the malignancy.
Peritonectomy
A peritonectomy is a surgery removing the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma tumors usually begin in this area of the abdomen.
