Indications for pneumonectomy. Extrapleural pneumonectomy

Surgical resection is considered a mainstay for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), but the indications for extrapleural pneumonectomy in this disease remain controversial. In general terms, an operation contributes to cancer management if it can be performed with low morbidity and mortality and improves local control, overall survival, or quality of life. The potential role of extrapleural pneumonectomy in MPM is best considered in this context.