Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

For most patients with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) their treatment regimen will likely include some form of radical surgery to mitigate the effects of tumor growth.  While many mesothelioma surgeons still advocate cytoreductive surgery, a recent study published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology concludes that parietal peritonectomy provides better post-surgical results in some specific cases. 

Indeed, complete parietal peritonectomy (CPP) improved survival rates significantly when patients underwent hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).  Combined with the fact that the operations carry similar risk factors and rates, this new discovery may change the way that peritoneal mesothelioma is treated in the future.

What is Parietal Peritonectomy?

A peritonectomy is a radical operation which involves completely removing parts or all of the peritoneum (the membranous sac that forms the inner lining of the body cavity).  This sac is actually formed by two layers of membrane with a thin layer of liquid lubricant between them.

The inner lining is called the visceral peritoneum.  The outer layer is called the parietal perineum.  The purpose of this sac is to allow the internal organs to shift within the body without causing physical distress.  The membrane functions as a sort of barrier that protects these organs.

Unfortunately, these membranes trap asbestos particles that have either been inhaled or ingested after they pass through the walls of the digestive organs.  These asbestos fibers can then cause fibrous growths which turn cancerous.

During a parietal peritonectomy, surgeons open the body cavity and strip out the parietal perineum.  At that time, they then decide to remove portions of the visceral peritoneum as well, if it shows signs of cancerous growth.

Details of the Mesothelioma Study

Researchers examined a total of 60 patients:  half underwent selective parietal peritonectomy – a form of cytoreductive surgery – and the other half underwent a complete parietal peritonectomy.

The patients were matched as best as possible, taking into account age, sex, and other key measurements.  Researchers then recorded survival rates, instances of morbidity and mortality, and followed up with the patients at set intervals for a period of up to five years.

They found that the average survival rate for those who underwent the selective cytoreductive surgery was 29.6 months.  They also discovered that at the five-year benchmark, only 40% of those patients were still alive compared to just under 64% of the patients who had undergone complete parietal peritonectomy.

As stated before, both groups of patients underwent hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (temperature-controlled internal chemotherapy at the surgery site) immediately after their procedures.  Both groups experience no deaths in the operating room and no change in rate of post-surgical complications. 

From this data the researchers concluded that though selective surgery does prolong a mesothelioma patients’ lifespan, complete removal of the parietal perineum provides longer lasting results, and, in most cases, extends the patient’s life past the 5-year benchmark.

However, the study was very selective with the sample group.  Mesothelioma doctors and patients must weigh a multitude of variables before deciding what is the best course of action in each individual case.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are entitled to filing a mesothelioma law suit.  Settlements form cases and asbestos bankruptcy trusts will cover costly medical treatments and ensure financial security for you and your family.  Call our mesothelioma law firm today at 1-800-440-4262 to speak directly with one of our experienced asbestos attorneys and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.