Mesothelioma Surgery Recovery

Surgery Recovery Profile
Post-Surgical Recovery Timelines
Category	Medical / Recovery
P/D Hospital Stay	7–14 days
P/D Full Recovery	4–8 weeks
EPP Hospital Stay	~2 weeks
EPP Full Recovery	6–8 weeks (up to 4 months)
CRS-HIPEC Hospital Stay	8–22 days
EPP Perioperative Mortality	~4.5%
P/D Perioperative Mortality	~1.7%
Free Case Review →

Recovery from mesothelioma surgery represents one of the most critical phases of the treatment journey, varying significantly based on the type of surgical procedure performed, the patient's baseline health, and the extent of disease. The three major mesothelioma surgical procedures — pleurectomy/decortication (P/D), extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), and cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC — each carry distinct recovery trajectories, complication profiles, and long-term rehabilitation needs. Data from over 1,300 patients demonstrates that outcomes improve significantly at high-volume surgical centers.

Pleurectomy/decortication, the lung-sparing approach that has become the preferred surgical option at most high-volume centers, typically requires 7 to 14 days of hospitalization with 1 to 3 days in the intensive care unit, followed by 4 to 8 weeks of home recovery. The most common complication is prolonged air leak from the denuded lung surface, occurring in approximately 6% of patients. Extrapleural pneumonectomy, the more radical procedure involving complete lung removal, requires approximately 2 weeks of hospitalization and 6 to 8 weeks for initial recovery, though full adaptation to single-lung physiology may take 3 to 4 months. Atrial fibrillation is the most significant cardiac complication after EPP, occurring in 21–44% of patients.

For peritoneal mesothelioma patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC, hospital stays range from 8 to 22 days with approximately 3 months required for full recovery, including careful dietary progression as gastrointestinal function returns. Across all procedure types, multimodal pain management combining epidural analgesia with non-opioid agents and regional nerve blocks has become standard practice, while structured pulmonary rehabilitation programs have demonstrated significant improvements in physical function and quality of life.

Mesothelioma surgery recovery at a glance:

• ICU stay after P/D — patients typically spend 1–3 days in intensive care with continuous monitoring of vital signs and chest tube output
• P/D hospital stay — total hospitalization ranges from 7 to 14 days, with most experienced surgeons citing an average of 10–12 days
• Chest tube duration — tubes remain in place for 10–12 days after P/D to drain fluid and help the denuded lung re-expand
• EPP perioperative mortality — approximately 4.5% compared to 1.7% for lung-sparing P/D, driving the shift toward P/D at major centers
• Atrial fibrillation after EPP — occurs in 21–44% of EPP patients versus only 7.4% of P/D patients, requiring continuous cardiac monitoring
• CRS-HIPEC recovery — hospital stays of 8–22 days with approximately 3 months for full recovery, including staged dietary progression
• Pulmonary rehab adherence — structured rehabilitation programs achieve 93% adherence at 1 month and 83% at 6 months post-P/D
• Prolonged air leak rate — the most common P/D complication at approximately 6%, requiring extended chest tube management
• Activity restrictions — patients are instructed to avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for 6–8 weeks and walk at least 20 minutes daily
• Adjuvant chemotherapy timing — cisplatin/pemetrexed typically begins 4–8 weeks after surgery once adequate recovery is achieved

Key Facts: Mesothelioma Surgery Recovery

Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) patients typically spend 1–3 days in the ICU followed by 7–14 total days in hospital, with full recovery in 4–8 weeks Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) carries a perioperative mortality of approximately 4.5%, compared to 1.7% for P/D, contributing to the shift toward lung-sparing surgery Atrial fibrillation occurs in 21–44% of EPP patients versus 7.4% of P/D patients, making cardiac monitoring essential during recovery Prolonged air leak is the most common P/D complication (approximately 6%), requiring extended chest tube management of 10–12 days CRS-HIPEC patients require 8–22 days of hospitalization with gradual dietary progression from IV nutrition to regular food over several weeks Adjuvant chemotherapy typically begins 4–8 weeks after surgery, with cisplatin/pemetrexed as the standard first-line regimen Structured pulmonary rehabilitation programs demonstrate 93% adherence at 1 month and significant improvements in physical function and pain scores Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is recommended for at least 4–6 weeks after discharge due to the combination of malignancy and reduced mobility Approximately 85–90% of P/D patients go home directly from the hospital; 10–15% require transitional rehabilitation facility stays Mesothelioma recurrence monitoring requires CT imaging every 3–6 months for the first 2 years, with most recurrences occurring within the first year Patients recovering from P/D are typically instructed to avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for 6–8 weeks and walk 20 minutes daily

What Is the Recovery Timeline After Pleurectomy/Decortication?

Pleurectomy/decortication is a lung-sparing surgery that removes the diseased pleural lining and all visible tumor while preserving the underlying lung tissue. The procedure typically takes approximately four hours under general anesthesia, with an epidural catheter placed before surgery to provide post-operative pain control. P/D has become the preferred surgical approach at most major mesothelioma treatment centers due to its lower perioperative mortality (approximately 1.7%) compared to extrapleural pneumonectomy (4.5%).

Following surgery, patients are admitted to the intensive care unit for 1 to 3 days for close monitoring of vital signs, oxygen saturation, and chest tube output. After ICU discharge, patients transfer to a regular surgical floor where recovery continues. The total hospital stay ranges from 7 to 14 days, with most experienced surgeons citing an average of 10 to 12 days from surgery to discharge. Some centers report shorter stays of 5 to 7 days for carefully selected patients with less extensive disease.

Chest Tube Management and Air Leaks

Chest tubes are a critical component of post-P/D recovery, serving to drain fluid and air from the operative space and help the denuded lung re-expand against the chest wall. When the visceral pleura is stripped from the lung surface during decortication, the exposed lung parenchyma characteristically develops air leaks that require extended chest tube drainage. These tubes typically remain in place for 10 to 12 days, with daily evaluation of output volume and air leak resolution determining the timing of removal.

Prolonged parenchymal air leak is the most common complication after P/D, occurring in approximately 6% of patients. Air leaks persisting beyond 5 to 7 days increase both hospital stay duration and infection risk. Management involves maintaining chest tubes on mild suction, graduating to water seals, and using portable pneumostats when the patient is otherwise ready for discharge. Intraoperative strategies to reduce air leaks include meticulous surgical dissection, intentional stapled resection of peripheral lung segments in areas of tumor invasion, and application of aerosolized biological sealant over the denuded lung surface.

Breathing Exercises and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Breathing exercises begin within the first 48 hours after surgery and are essential for promoting lung expansion and preventing pneumonia. The standard respiratory rehabilitation protocol includes deep breathing exercises, pursed-lip breathing, and incentive spirometry, all designed to encourage the denuded lung to fully expand and seal against the chest wall. With the protective pleural lining removed, the exposed lung surface requires time and active inflation to heal properly, making consistent breathing exercises one of the most important aspects of early recovery.

A pilot study from the European Institute of Oncology demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of structured pulmonary rehabilitation specifically in post-P/D mesothelioma patients. The protocol included respiratory physiotherapy twice daily using positive expiratory pressure devices (15-minute sessions) combined with home-based physical rehabilitation sessions of 50 to 60 minutes three times weekly. Remarkably high adherence rates were achieved — 93% at 1 month and 83% at 6 months — with clinically meaningful improvements in physical function, pain management, and health-related quality of life as measured by validated PROMIS instruments.

Return-to-Activity Milestones

Recovery from P/D follows a phased progression. During the first 1 to 2 days, patients focus on sitting up in bed, performing gentle leg exercises, and weaning from ventilator support. By the end of the first week, most patients are walking short distances with assistance, eating and drinking independently, and performing deep breathing exercises regularly. During the second week, patients may be ready for discharge, with sutures and staples removed and a chest X-ray confirming adequate lung expansion.

During weeks 3 to 4, home recovery involves light walking and breathing exercises, with continued fatigue being a normal and expected part of the healing process. By week 6, most patients have discontinued assistive walking devices, can drive short distances, and may be cleared for air travel. Between weeks 8 and 12, the majority of patients experience full recovery with return of normal energy levels and functional capacity. Approximately 85–90% of P/D patients go home directly from the hospital, while 10–15% benefit from a one- to two-week stay at a rehabilitation facility before transitioning home. Standard activity restrictions include avoiding lifting more than 10 pounds for 6 to 8 weeks and walking at least 20 minutes daily.

Expected Lung Function Recovery

Lung function after P/D follows a characteristic trajectory of initial decline followed by gradual recovery. Respiratory muscle strength and physical function typically decrease immediately after surgery but recover to near-preoperative values within 1 to 3 months in patients participating in structured exercise programs. Research in thoracic surgery patients demonstrates that maximal inspiratory pressure and 6-minute walk distance recover to preoperative values by 1 month, while expiratory pressures and dyspnea scores recover by 3 months. The mesothelioma-specific pulmonary rehabilitation study found no significant worsening of FEV1 or FVC over 6 months, suggesting that structured rehabilitation may help stabilize pulmonary function despite the progressive nature of the underlying disease.

What Is Different About Recovering from Extrapleural Pneumonectomy?

Extrapleural pneumonectomy is the most extensive surgery performed for pleural mesothelioma, involving en bloc removal of the diseased lung along with the pericardium, diaphragm, and nearby lymph nodes. Because of the scope of tissue removal, EPP recovery is longer and more complex than P/D recovery, with a higher rate of serious complications. Hospital stays typically last approximately 2 weeks, with several days in the ICU. Full recovery from EPP usually takes 6 to 8 weeks but may extend to 3 to 4 months as the body adapts to functioning with a single lung.

EPP carries a perioperative mortality of approximately 4.5%, compared to 1.7% for P/D. This significant difference in surgical risk, combined with data showing comparable overall survival between the two approaches, has contributed to a pronounced shift in surgical practice toward lung-sparing P/D at most major mesothelioma centers over the past two decades.

Cardiac Monitoring and Arrhythmia Management

Cardiac complications represent the most significant concern during EPP recovery. Atrial fibrillation occurs in 21–44% of EPP patients — dramatically higher than the 7.4% rate observed after P/D. This elevated arrhythmia risk is multifactorial: pericardial resection triggers inflammatory epicarditis, fluid shifts are greater due to rapid filling of the pneumonectomy space, and the hemodynamic burden on the remaining lung and right heart increases substantially after complete lung removal.

Continuous cardiac monitoring is maintained throughout the hospital stay following EPP. Echocardiography is used to evaluate for pericardial constriction, cardiac tamponade, or cardiac herniation — a rare but potentially fatal complication where the heart protrudes through a defect in the reconstructed pericardial patch. Routine pericardial reconstruction during EPP has reduced the incidence of cardiac herniation to approximately 0.4%. Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias increase the risk of systemic embolization and cerebral ischemia, requiring prompt identification and treatment with standard antiarrhythmic protocols.

Compensatory Lung Expansion and Respiratory Adaptation

After EPP, the remaining single lung must assume all respiratory function — a physiologic adaptation that requires careful medical management during the early postoperative period. Patients are placed on mechanical ventilation immediately after surgery to support the transition to single-lung breathing. Interstitial pulmonary edema is an early concern because the remaining lung receives the entire cardiac output of blood flow, overwhelming lymphatic drainage systems that previously handled only approximately 55% of pulmonary blood flow. This complication is more common after right-sided EPP and is managed with inhaled nitric oxide and early intravenous diuretics during the first 72 hours.

Physical rehabilitation begins on the first night after surgery, with patients encouraged to sit upright and swing their legs off the bed. Walking and breathing exercises play a crucial role in adapting to single-lung physiology. However, unlike P/D patients who generally return to near-normal respiratory function, EPP patients face permanent activity limitations due to the loss of an entire lung. Aerobic capacity is significantly and permanently reduced, and strenuous physical activities may never be fully achievable. Extended VTE prophylaxis is recommended for at least 4 to 6 weeks after hospital discharge.

How Do Patients Recover After Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC?

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the primary surgical treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma. The procedure involves meticulous removal of all visible tumors from the peritoneal surfaces, which may require resection of portions of the stomach, intestines, liver surface, spleen, or other abdominal organs depending on tumor distribution. Following cytoreduction, heated chemotherapy solution is circulated through the abdominal cavity to destroy residual microscopic disease.

Hospital stays after CRS-HIPEC range from 8 to 22 days, reflecting the variability in surgical extent and individual recovery rates. Total recovery takes approximately 3 months, with the initial home recovery phase lasting 2 to 3 weeks. In the largest reported cohort of 195 patients treated with CRS and HIPEC, median survival was 3.21 years, with patients who completed the full treatment protocol showing significantly improved outcomes compared to those who received incomplete treatment.

The Abdominal Cancers Alliance provides patient and caregiver resources specifically for peritoneal mesothelioma, including education on cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC, post-surgical recovery, and connections to specialized surgical oncologists experienced in CRS-HIPEC procedures.

Abdominal Recovery and Dietary Progression

Gastrointestinal recovery requires careful, staged management after CRS-HIPEC. During the first 1 to 3 days, patients receive all nutrition and fluids intravenously, and a nasogastric tube may remain in place to decompress the stomach and prevent nausea. As bowel function begins to return — signaled by the presence of bowel sounds and passage of flatus — patients gradually transition to clear liquids between days 3 and 5. Over the subsequent 1 to 2 weeks, the diet progresses from liquids to soft foods as the digestive system demonstrates increasing tolerance. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients typically require a longer period before resuming full oral intake compared to pleural surgery patients. Some patients may continue receiving intravenous nutritional supplementation at home until the digestive system has fully recovered.

If extensive bowel resection is required during cytoreduction, patients may need a temporary or permanent stoma (colostomy or ileostomy). Specialized stoma nurses provide education on care, pouch management, and necessary dietary modifications during the hospital stay. Temporary stomas may be reversed in a subsequent surgical procedure once complete healing has been confirmed, typically after several months.

What Are the Most Common Post-Surgical Complications?

Understanding the potential complications following mesothelioma surgery enables patients and families to recognize warning signs early and seek prompt medical attention. A comprehensive review of case series involving approximately 1,195 EPP and 800 P/D patients documented the following complication rates:

Arrhythmia, predominantly atrial fibrillation, is the most frequent complication after both procedures, occurring in 7.4% of P/D patients and 17.6% of EPP patients. Prolonged air leak affects 5.9% of P/D patients but only 0.3% of EPP patients (since the lung is removed entirely in EPP). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs in 0.8% of P/D patients versus 4.9% of EPP patients. Bleeding or hemothorax occurs at similar rates in both groups (3.9% P/D, 3.2% EPP). Empyema is significantly more common after EPP (3.7%) than P/D (0.4%), as is bronchopleural fistula (2.3% vs. 0.4%). Venous thromboembolism (DVT or PE) occurs in 1.4% of P/D patients and 3.3% of EPP patients.

Empyema Prevention and Management

Empyema — infection of the surgical space — requires special attention due to its potentially serious consequences. Early empyema, developing within the first 30 days, typically results from residual infection or intraoperative contamination and can be prevented through high-volume cavity lavage during surgery and prophylactic antibiotics during the postoperative period. Late empyema, developing beyond 30 days, is often associated with bronchopleural fistula and represents a more challenging clinical problem. Treatment of established empyema may require removal of prosthetic reconstruction patches and creation of a Clagett window — an open chest wall window that allows ongoing irrigation and drainage of the infected space.

Venous Thromboembolism Prevention

Venous thromboembolism is a potentially life-threatening complication that deserves particular attention in mesothelioma surgery patients. Pulmonary embolism has been identified as one of the most common causes of post-EPP mortality. The combination of active malignancy creating a hypercoagulable state, reduced postoperative mobility, and potential prior chemotherapy significantly elevates VTE risk. Current best practice includes prophylactic anticoagulation during the hospital stay and for at least 4 to 6 weeks after discharge, combined with early and progressive postoperative mobilization.

How Is Pain Managed After Mesothelioma Surgery?

Pain management following mesothelioma surgery is particularly complex due to the mixed nociceptive and neuropathic nature of post-thoracic surgical pain. The pain results from surgical tissue trauma, chest wall disruption, intercostal nerve involvement, and potential residual tumor infiltration of pain-sensitive structures. Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome affects 25–68% of patients across published series, with one large study reporting 40.9% prevalence. Modern pain management protocols emphasize a multimodal approach that targets multiple pain pathways simultaneously, reducing reliance on opioid medications and their associated side effects.

Epidural Analgesia

Thoracic epidural analgesia is a cornerstone of post-operative pain control after major mesothelioma surgery. An epidural catheter is typically placed before the surgical procedure and maintained for several days afterward, delivering continuous local anesthetic and low-dose opioid directly to the spinal nerves that supply the surgical site. Epidural analgesia provides superior pain relief compared to systemic opioids alone for thoracic procedures and importantly enables deeper breathing and more effective cough, helping prevent atelectasis and pneumonia during the critical early recovery period. However, the vasodilation caused by epidural analgesia can compound postoperative hypotension, requiring careful hemodynamic monitoring given the significant fluid shifts associated with radical mesothelioma surgery. A Cochrane review found that paravertebral block provides comparable pain control with fewer minor complications.

Multimodal Pain Management Approach

Current best practice combines multiple pain management modalities to achieve optimal comfort while minimizing opioid consumption. Non-opioid systemic agents including acetaminophen, NSAIDs, gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin), dexmedetomidine, intravenous lidocaine, and ketamine are used in various combinations. Regional anesthesia techniques beyond the thoracic epidural — including paravertebral blocks, erector spinae plane blocks, and serratus anterior plane blocks — provide targeted pain relief to specific chest wall regions. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps allow patients to self-administer small doses of opioid medication within programmed safety limits, providing on-demand pain relief either alongside or following epidural discontinuation.

Patients are typically transitioned from IV and epidural analgesia to oral medications within the first week. Sustained-release morphine or oxycodone is commonly prescribed, supplemented by immediate-release formulations for breakthrough pain episodes. The goal is to wean patients off opioid medications within weeks to months, though some patients with persistent cancer-related pain may require long-term opioid management. For refractory pain — particularly the costopleural syndrome seen in advanced disease — interventional procedures such as percutaneous cervical cordotomy may be considered, with studies showing that 80% of patients report greater than 75% pain relief at 4-week follow-up.

What Nutritional Support Is Needed During Recovery?

Adequate nutrition plays a fundamental role in recovery from mesothelioma surgery, providing the essential building blocks for tissue repair, immune function maintenance, and muscle preservation. Protein intake is particularly critical, as the body requires substantially increased protein during the wound-healing phase to rebuild surgical sites and maintain the muscle mass needed for respiratory function and physical rehabilitation.

Recommended protein sources include dairy products, protein shakes, lean meats, fish, nuts, legumes, beans, peas, and tofu. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids also provide anti-inflammatory benefits that may support healing. However, protein intake should be coordinated with the treating oncologist, as some mesothelioma treatments can affect kidney function, making excessive protein potentially harmful. Key micronutrient priorities include vitamin C for immune function and wound healing, vitamin D for bone health and immune support, iron for energy levels, and calcium for overall wellness. Adequate hydration is critical throughout recovery, particularly for patients receiving concurrent or upcoming chemotherapy.

Structured Physical Therapy Protocols

Physical therapy begins in the hospital and continues through the home recovery period. During the hospital phase, the focus is on basic mobility including sitting up in bed, walking short distances with assistance, and gentle leg exercises. As a practical reference for patients and families, sitting up in bed for 2 to 4 hours provides physiologic benefit approximately equivalent to walking 1 mile for patients 2 days after surgery. During the home recovery phase, patients are typically instructed to walk 20 to 30 minutes daily and perform breathing exercises 2 to 3 times daily, with gradual increases in activity level as tolerated.

The European Institute of Oncology pulmonary rehabilitation protocol for mesothelioma patients demonstrated the benefits of structured exercise, with sessions incorporating a 10-minute warm-up, resistance training at 60–75% of one-repetition maximum, aerobic exercise at 60–85% of maximal heart rate, and a cool-down period. Combined with respiratory physiotherapy sessions using positive expiratory pressure devices, this comprehensive approach achieved high patient adherence and clinically meaningful improvements in functional outcomes. Nutritional status monitoring using validated assessment tools confirmed that appropriate nutritional status was maintained throughout the 6-month program.

When Does Adjuvant Treatment Begin After Surgery?

The timing of adjuvant therapy following mesothelioma surgery requires balancing the need for adequate surgical recovery with the urgency of controlling microscopic residual disease. Adjuvant chemotherapy is typically initiated 4 to 8 weeks after the date of surgery, representing the optimal window when patients have recovered sufficient strength for treatment but before microscopic disease has progressed significantly. Patients who are older or experience slower recovery — taking 2 to 3 months before starting chemotherapy — can still benefit from treatment, though earlier initiation is generally preferred when feasible.

The standard first-line chemotherapy regimen for mesothelioma is cisplatin combined with pemetrexed, established by the landmark Phase III EMPHACIS trial that demonstrated a median survival of 12.1 months with the combination versus 9.3 months with cisplatin alone. More recently, the integration of immune checkpoint inhibitors — nivolumab plus ipilimumab (CheckMate 743) and pembrolizumab with platinum-pemetrexed (KEYNOTE-483) — has further expanded first-line treatment options, with the selection between regimens increasingly guided by histological subtype and molecular profiling results.

Adjuvant Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy may be delivered to the ipsilateral pleura after lung-sparing P/D surgery to improve local disease control. Modern intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) allows dose escalation to tumor targets while protecting adjacent normal tissues including the heart, remaining lung, and esophagus. The IMPRINT technique has demonstrated median overall survival of 20.2 months after P/D, compared to 12.3 months with conventional radiation. For EPP patients, hemithoracic radiation targeting the entire empty chest cavity is typically delivered using IMRT.

An innovative approach known as SMART (Surgery for Mesothelioma After Radiation Therapy) reverses the traditional sequence, delivering 25 to 30 Gy of neoadjuvant radiation approximately 1 week before EPP. Initial reports described encouraging median survival of 36 months. However, radiation-induced lung disease remains the major complication, with pneumonitis occurring 1 to 6 months after treatment and fibrosis developing 6 to 12 months later. Approximately 30% of patients develop radiation pneumonitis after P/D with IMRT, requiring careful monitoring and management.

What Does Long-Term Follow-Up Involve?

Mesothelioma recurrence occurs in the majority of patients after surgery, with a median time to recurrence of approximately 10 months from completion of adjuvant therapy. Because recurrence timing is unpredictable and early detection enables timely intervention, all mesothelioma patients require ongoing medical surveillance throughout their remission period. The goal of surveillance is to detect recurrent disease at an early enough stage that second-line treatment options remain viable.

Surveillance Imaging Schedule

While no universally standardized follow-up protocol exists specifically for mesothelioma, general practice at major cancer centers follows a risk-stratified approach to imaging surveillance. During the first 2 years after treatment — the period of highest recurrence risk — CT scans of the chest and abdomen are performed every 3 to 6 months. During years 2 through 5, imaging frequency decreases to every 6 months. Beyond 5 years, annual imaging with continued clinical monitoring is typically recommended. Each imaging visit includes a comprehensive history and physical examination with specific attention to new or worsening symptoms including chest pain, dyspnea, and unintended weight loss.

CT scanning remains the mainstay of imaging surveillance, supplemented by MRI and PET/CT when clinically indicated for equivocal findings. For patients who have undergone EPP, chest X-rays are used to monitor the pneumonectomy space for signs of empyema, mediastinal shift, or recurrence. The development of blood-based biomarkers such as the FDA-approved MESOMARK assay and investigational markers including fibulin-3 and SOMAmer panels may eventually complement imaging surveillance, though no blood test has yet been validated for routine recurrence monitoring.

Quality of Life Outcomes

Studies consistently demonstrate that well-managed recovery from mesothelioma surgery can preserve or improve quality of life when combined with structured rehabilitation. The EORTC QLQ-C30 and LCSS-meso quality-of-life instruments are commonly used to assess functional, symptomatic, and global quality-of-life domains in mesothelioma patients. The pulmonary rehabilitation feasibility study showed clinically meaningful improvements exceeding the minimally important difference on PROMIS physical function and pain scales at both 1 and 6 months after surgery. The MARS2 trial (2024) found that surgery was associated with worse quality of life and higher costs compared to chemotherapy alone, underscoring the importance of patient selection.

Lung-sparing P/D surgery is associated with improved perioperative outcomes compared to EPP, with research showing shorter hospital stays when the diaphragm is preserved (8 versus 13 days) without compromising overall survival. Long-term survivors after CRS-HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma demonstrate that comprehensive multimodal treatment approaches offer the best opportunity for extended survival, with 33.8% of patients who completed the full treatment protocol remaining alive at a median follow-up of 3.44 years.

How Does Surgery Recovery Affect Legal Claims and Compensation?

The recovery process following mesothelioma surgery often involves significant financial burdens including extended hospital stays, rehabilitation costs, home nursing care, medical equipment, lost wages, and ongoing follow-up appointments. These costs represent compensable damages in mesothelioma lawsuits and trust fund claims, making thorough documentation of the recovery process important for legal as well as medical reasons.

Patients should maintain detailed records of all medical appointments, medications, rehabilitation sessions, and out-of-pocket expenses throughout their recovery. The duration and complexity of surgical recovery — including complications, readmissions, and the impact on daily activities — all factor into the calculation of damages in mesothelioma compensation claims. Experienced mesothelioma attorneys work with medical experts to document the full scope of treatment-related costs and quality-of-life impacts, ensuring that compensation claims accurately reflect the patient's complete treatment and recovery journey.

Free, Confidential Case Evaluation Call (855) 699-5441 or visit dandell.com/contact-us No upfront fees • Experienced representation • National practice

⚠ Statute of Limitations Warning: Filing deadlines vary by state from 1-6 years from diagnosis. Texas allows 2 years from diagnosis or discovery. Contact an attorney immediately to preserve your rights.