Surgical Treatment Options Flashcards
6 cards from real Mesothelioma Therapy practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Surgical Treatment Options flashcards as text
VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) is most commonly used for mesothelioma in which context?
Answer: Diagnostic biopsy and pleurodesis
VATS is primarily used for diagnostic biopsy and pleurodesis in mesothelioma rather than curative resection.
What is pleurodesis used for in mesothelioma management?
Answer: Preventing recurrent pleural effusion
Pleurodesis is a palliative procedure used to prevent recurrent pleural effusion by causing the pleural layers to adhere together.
Which structure is NOT typically removed during an Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)?
Answer: Contralateral lung
EPP involves removal of the ipsilateral lung, pleura, pericardium, and diaphragm—the contralateral lung is always spared.
What is the main advantage of P/D over EPP?
Answer: Preservation of the lung and better quality of life
P/D preserves the lung, generally resulting in better postoperative quality of life and lower mortality risk compared to EPP.
In the trimodality therapy approach for mesothelioma, what is the correct order of treatments?
Answer: Chemotherapy → Surgery → Radiation
The classic trimodality approach is chemotherapy (neoadjuvant) → EPP (surgery) → radiation therapy to the hemithorax.
Which complication is most common after EPP surgery?
Answer: Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is the most common complication after EPP, occurring in up to 40% of patients due to surgical manipulation near the pericardium.