There are not many treatments available for pleural mesothelioma patients but many new procedures are available for the diagnosis of the cancer. Simple procedures may be required to confirm the disease but more sophisticated tests are required for diagnosing the nature and intensity of the cancer. Pleuroscopy is the best example of modern technology procedure used for the treatment and diagnosis of mesothelioma patients.
Pleuroscopy:
Pleuroscope is a thin tube attached to a camera at its end. This instrument is used during the surgical procedure to look at the affected area on the video monitor with the help camera at the end of the tube. This tube is inserted in to the body through small incisions made in the chest and the doctor carefully examines the diseased area.
The pleuroscopy helps the doctor to determine the location of the tumor and diagnose the problems in the chest by getting a clear view. The doctors use this procedure for gathering samples of the cancerous tissue and drain the excess fluid from the pleura (fluid space surrounding the lung). It can also be used for introducing medicine to the lungs like talc; which irritates the pleura and prevents the accumulation of the fluid.
Pleuroscopy Procedure:
Pleuralscopic surgery is normally performed in the operating theatre of the hospital, it may also be performed in the ‘special procedures’ suite. Patient may be given a seductive medicine and sometimes a general anesthetic may be required. All the vital signs are carefully monitored during the surgery. Oxygen may also be administrated for comfortable breathing.
An ultrasound guides the surgeon where the incisions need to be made. The pleroscope is inserted though one of the incisions and doctors carefully examine the chest area. During the surgery doctors may collect samples of the cancerous tissue or the fluid. Then the lung is re-inflated and all incisions except one are closed. Tube is inserted into that one incision for drainage of the excess fluid. It remains inside until all the excess fluid is removed. Drainage of fluids may take a few hours after surgery or a few days, depending on the amount of excess fluid.
There may be some post surgical complications like; bleeding, loss of air in the lungs and infection. There may also be failure of the respiratory system in rare cases. Patient may have to stay in the hospital for at least four days after the pleuroscopy. Doctors will have to make sure all the fluid is drained and there are no signs of complication before they release the patient from the hospital.