Effects of Extended Pleurectomy and Decortication on Quality of Life and Pulmonary Function in Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

This prospective study evaluated QOL and lung function after extended pleurectomy/decortication (EPD) for mesothelioma in 36 patients.  Patients with performance status (PS) 0 experienced little or no improvement in QOL but did have a significant decrease in lung function (FVC, FEV1, TLC, DLCO).  Patients with PS 1-2 experienced improved QOL and no important change in lung function.