Surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can start in the layers of tissue that cover the organs in the tummy (abdomen). This is called peritoneal mesothelioma.

Some people can have surgery to try to remove the mesothelioma. It can't usually get rid of the mesothelioma for good. The aim is to try and keep the disease under control and help you to stay well for as long as possible.

You must be very fit and have early stage mesothelioma to have this treatment. It is very intensive.

Removing the lining of the abdomen (peritonectomy)

In this operation the surgeon removes the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). This is called a peritonectomy.

Debulking (cytoreductive surgery)

Some doctors use a technique called cytoreductive surgery. They also call this debulking surgery. The surgeon removes the whole peritoneum, so they can remove as much mesothelioma as possible. 

During the operation, the surgeon gives chemotherapy straight into the abdominal cavity. They heat the chemotherapy to a few degrees above body temperature. Research suggest that heating the chemotherapy helps it works better. This is called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The intraperitoneal chemotherapy may be repeated a few times after the surgery. 

Research has shown that cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy improves survival.

Clinical trials

Your doctor might ask if you’d like to take part in a clinical trial. Doctors and researchers do trials to make existing treatments better and develop new treatments.