It is possible for some people with peritoneal mesothelioma that has not spread to have an operation called a peritonectomy. Surgery is usually followed by chemotherapy.
How it’s done
In this procedure, the surgeon removes the parts of the peritoneum where the mesothelioma is growing. The amount of surgery needed will vary from person to person. Removing as much of the cancer as possible will help reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain and poor appetite. It will also improve quality of life and increase life expectancy.
Recovery
Peritonectomy surgery is long and complex, with recovery taking a long time. Whether this surgery is an option for you will depend on several factors, including your overall health and fitness, and whether the small bowel is cancer-free.
How to find a specialist
Only a small number of surgeons in Australia perform peritonectomy. You will usually need to get the medical opinion from one of these specialist surgeons if you are thinking about having a peritonectomy. To find their contact details, talk to your treatment team or contact a mesothelioma support organisation.
For more on this, see our general section on Surgery.
→ READ MORE: Chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma
Podcast: Making Treatment Decisions
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer
Dr Anthony Linton, Medical Oncologist, Concord Cancer Centre and Concord Repatriation General Hospital, NSW; Dr Naveed Alam, Thoracic Surgeon, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Monash Medical Centre, VIC; Donatella Arnoldo, Consumer; Polly Baldwin, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Melvin (Wee Loong) Chin, Medical Oncologist, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, WA; Prof Kwun Fong, Thoracic and Sleep Physician and Director, UQ Thoracic Research Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Professor of Medicine, The University of Queensland, QLD; Vicki Hamilton OAM, Consumer and CEO, Asbestos Council of Victoria/GARDS Inc., VIC; Dr Susan Harden, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Penny Jacomos, Social Worker, Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia, SA; Prof Brian Le, Director, Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Lung Cancer Support Nurses, Lung Foundation Australia; Jocelyn McLean, Mesothelioma Support Coordinator, Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, NSW; Prof David Morris, Peritonectomy Surgeon, St George Hospital and UNSW, NSW; Joanne Oates, Registered Occupational Therapist, Expert Witness in Dust Diseases, and Director, Evaluate, NSW; Chris Sheppard and Adam Barlow, RMB Lawyers.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Need to talk?
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Speak to a qualified health professional someone who has been there, support groups & forum
Need legal and financial assistance?
Practical advice and support during and after treatment
Cancer information
Surgery
Surgery is performed by a surgeon or a surgical oncologist to remove cancer from the body or repair a part of the body affected by cancer
Patient rights and responsibilities
What you can reasonably expect from your health care professionals