Meta-analysis of survival after extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) versus pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) for malignant pleural mesothelioma in the context of macroscopic complete resection (MCR)

Dimitrios E Magouliotis*, Prokopis-Andreas Zotos, Arian Arjomandi Rad, Despoina Koukousaki, Vasiliki Vasilaki, Ioustini Portesi, Kyriakos Spiliopoulos, Thanos Athanasiou

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the available literature on patients with MPM undergoing either extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) or pleurectomy/decortication (P/D).

METHODS: Original research studies that evaluated long-term outcomes of P/D versus EPP were identified, from January 1980 to February 2022. The 30-days and 90-day mortality, along with the 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-year survival, the median overall survival, the macroscopic complete resection (MCR) rate, and the complications were calculated according to both a fixed and a random effect model. The Q and I2 statistic were used to test for heterogeneity among the studies. Sensitivity analysis was performed including only studies that incorporated the MCR concept.

RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included, incorporating a total of 4,852 patients treated with EPP and P/D. The 30-day mortality was significantly higher in the EPP group (OR: 2.79 [95% CI 1.30, 6.01]; p = 0.009). The median overall survival was higher in the P/D group (WMD:-4.55 [-6.05, -3.04]; p < 0.001). No differences were found regarding the 90-day mortality, MCR rate, and the 1-, 2-,3-, 5-year survival between the EPP and P/D groups. These findings were validated by the sensitivity analysis. The incidence of atrial fibrillation, hemorrhage, pulmonary embolism, air leak, and reoperation was significantly increased in the EPP group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis indicates that P/D is associated with enhanced outcomes regarding 30-day mortality, median overall survival, and complications. The P/D approach should be preferred when technically feasible. However, the procedure of choice should be decided based on the goal of MCR in the safest approach for the patient.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1827-1837
Number of pages11
JournalUpdates in Surgery
Volume74
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Humans
  • Pneumonectomy
  • Mesothelioma, Malignant
  • Reoperation
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care

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