Mesothelioma Surgical Recovery

Key Components of Surgical Recovery

Recovery from mesothelioma surgery isn’t just about time. Some aspects of the recovery will occur in different settings: inpatient or outpatient. Other aspects require specific types of therapy to improve body function and regain quality of life.

Inpatient Recovery and Outpatient Recovery

Inpatient recovery occurs while the patient stays in the hospital after surgery. Outpatient recovery begins once the patient is discharged and continues at home or in a rehabilitation facility. Some patients benefit from a temporary stay in a rehab facility for additional medical support or assistance before going home.

Depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s overall health, inpatient recovery may start in an intensive care unit (ICU). Once the patient is stable, showing improvements and no longer needs the specialized care and supervision in the ICU, the patient will be moved to a regular hospital room. Inpatient recovery is intensive and may last up to one or two weeks.

Outpatient recovery focuses on promoting healing, rebuilding strength and endurance, restoring physical function, managing symptoms, and helping patients safely return to their daily activities. This may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, breathing exercises, walking, and plenty of rest. 

While the surgical incisions on the skin may heal within a few weeks, the body continues to heal internally for much longer. It is important to remember that recovery and healing will progress at a different rate for every patient. Listen to your body, follow your surgeon’s recommendations and instructions, and avoid overexertion as you heal.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an essential part of recovery after mesothelioma surgery. It helps patients regain strength, improve mobility, restore flexibility and endurance. The exact therapy plan will depend on the patient’s needs as well as the type of surgery performed. 

Pleural mesothelioma patients require therapies that will help them regain respiratory function and help prevent complications. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients require therapies that will help regain strength, protect the abdominal incision, and improve endurance.

Physical therapy exercises to improve recovery may include:

• Breathing exercises to help expand the lungs, clear mucus, and improve oxygen exchange.
• Posture exercises to promote proper alignment, reduce discomfort, and improve expansion of the chest for improved breathing.
• Walking to improve endurance, circulation, and lung function.
• Strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle lost during surgery for the arms, legs, and core.
• Energy conservation techniques to help you manage fatigue while gradually increasing your activity level.

Most patients are encouraged to walk several times a day, gradually increasing the distance and duration as their strength improves. Following your physical therapist’s recommendations and remaining as active as your surgeon allows can help speed recovery and improve your quality of life.

Quality of Life After Surgery

Recovery from mesothelioma surgery is more than just the healing of the incision. It involves regaining strength, restoring independence, and being able to enjoy the activities and people in your life.

After surgery there will be gradual improvements in your energy level, mobility, appetite, and the ability to perform daily activities. Recovery looks different for every patient. Some recover quickly, while others need a little more time to regain that sense of feeling yourself again.

Quality of life is an important aspect of recovery. Improving quality of life after surgery often involves a combination of physical, emotional, and practical support. This may include:

• Regular physical activity, like walking to rebuild strength and endurance.
• Physical or occupational therapy to improve mobility, flexibility, and regain independence.
• Nutritious meals/adequate hydration to support healing and regain strength.
• Good pain/symptom management to improve function and move with comfort.
• Rest and sleep to allow your body time to recover.
• Emotional/mental health support to help cope with the stress, anxiety, or uncertainty following a cancer diagnosis and the impact of major surgery.

Recovery is rarely a simple straight line. Some days will be easier than others, but each small step forward is part of the healing process. Celebrate your progress, be patient with yourself, and remember that your healthcare team is there to support you every step of the way.

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What to Expect After Surgery

Being prepared and understanding the surgical recovery process can help you manage expectations and ease the fear of the unknown. Although recovery is different for each procedure, all patients will have some shared experiences during the inpatient recovery stage:

Recovery is different for every patient, and it is important to give yourself the time needed to heal and recover. It is common to experience good days and days that may be more challenging. 

When you wake up from surgery

When you wake up from surgery it is normal to have several tubes or medical devices in place. These are to help the healthcare team monitor your recovery, manage your pain, and prevent complications. Depending on the surgery performed, you may have:

• One or more IV catheters to provide fluids, medications, or nutrition.
• A urinary catheter (a soft rubber tube in your bladder) to drain urine until you are able to get out of bed and go to the bathroom on your own.
• One or more drains or tubes to drain the surgical area.
• Elastic stockings and inflatable compression devices on your legs to improve circulation in your legs and to reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Oxygen mask or nasal cannula to provide supplemental oxygen as you wake up until your oxygen levels are within the normal range.
• Monitoring equipment – such as a blood pressure cuff, heart monitor, and pulse oximeter (a device that monitors your blood oxygen level) – so the medical team can closely watch your vital signs.

Most of the tubes are temporary and will be removed as you become more awake and active. Your medical team will monitor you closely, providing explanations and new instructions as you progress through your inpatient recovery process.

Once you are discharged from the hospital you can expect regular follow ups with your doctor to monitor your recovery, healing, and to manage any post-operative symptoms. These appointments often continue every few months or more often as needed.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP) Recovery

Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is the original surgery developed for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. It removes the entire affected lung, plus the pleura (lining of the lung and chest wall), part or all of the diaphragm (muscle between the lungs and abdomen), and the pericardium (lining of the heart).

EPP is one of the most extensive and aggressive surgeries performed for mesothelioma. Likewise, EPP recovery is intensive and will take time and patience. The respiratory system must adjust to functioning with just one lung going forward. Patients may experience shortness of breath, fatigue and pain in the early recovery phase. This requires breathing and coughing exercises soon after surgery.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy Recovery Time

According to the University of California San Francisco Department of Surgery website, inpatient recovery usually takes two weeks. Outpatient recovery takes 6-8 weeks. EPP is one of the most extensive operations performed for pleural mesothelioma, so setting expectations is important while remaining encouraging.

The entire process lasts 8-10 weeks, although respiratory function may improve months after the operation.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy Recovery Steps

Recovering from EPP surgery will take some time and can be challenging. After surgery patients often remain in the hospital for one to two weeks. During your hospitalization the medical team will closely monitor your vital signs and watch for any symptoms or signs of complications. The first few days following surgery may require a stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), where the patient will get close monitoring.

EPP involves the removal of an entire lung, which will impact the patient’s breathing and oxygenation. It is not uncommon for the patient to require being on a ventilator until they are able to maintain adequate oxygenation and muscle strength to breathe on their own. The physician will want to remove the mechanical ventilator as quickly as possible, to help avoid any complications or infections.

Physical therapy is a very important part of surgical recovery. Patients often start therapy within the first few days following surgery. This is a slow and progressive process, starting with getting out of bed and sitting in a chair to walking down the halls when the patient is strong enough. This will improve respiratory function, increase oxygenation, and help avoid blood clots and complications, like pneumonia.

According to the Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center Lung Institute, transition from inpatient recovery to outpatient recovery requires:

Once the patient is discharged from the hospital they will go home or have a short stay in a rehabilitation center until they are strong enough to return home. Outpatient recovery will include breathing exercises, performing personal care tasks, walking and physical therapy exercises to help increase stamina, strength, and mobility. 

It is important for patients to follow the physician’s discharge instructions and understand their limitations, as well as reporting any new or worsening symptoms to their doctor. Overexertion can have a negative effect on recovery and can even lead to hospitalization.

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Pleurectomy With Decortication (P/D) Recovery

The pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) surgery is an alternative to EPP. This surgery is considered to be less extreme than EPP but still remains an aggressive surgical approach to treating pleural mesothelioma.

P/D spares the lungs and focuses on only removing the pleura, part or all of the diaphragm, and the pericardium. While this surgery is not as extensive as EPP, it is still very invasive and requires careful patient selection to ensure a safe and positive outcome.

Pleurectomy With Decortication Recovery Time

P/D involves peeling the visceral (inner) lining of the pleura off the surface of the lung as well as removing the parietal (outer) lining off the inside of the chest wall. The pleura lining is where mesothelioma forms, and removal of the entire pleura has proven to be an effective way to remove the mesothelioma tumors that have developed. This is a labor-intensive and time-consuming portion of the procedure and explains why P/D surgery often takes longer than EPP.

However, leaving the lung intact can often shorten the recovery time. Patients should expect 1-2 months of recovery:

• 7-14 days of inpatient recovery.
• 2-8 weeks of outpatient recovery.

It is important to remember that every patient’s healing journey will be different.

Pleurectomy With Decortication Recovery Steps

Most patients will spend time in the ICU following P/D surgery. Patients may wake up with a variety of tubes and wires connected to their body. These may include an IV to provide fluids and medication, a tube to help with breathing, a tube to empty the bladder, and wires to monitor heart and lung function.

Close monitoring is crucial to ensure a safe and successful recovery from an aggressive procedure such as P/D surgery. Breathing, coughing, and walking exercises are an essential part of P/D inpatient recovery. These activities help prevent lung infections, increase oxygenation, and defend against mucus buildup in the lungs.

Similar to EPP recovery, the Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center Lung Institute website says transition from inpatient to outpatient care requires:

Outpatient recovery involves the same exercises with slow progressive intensity to improve stamina and strength. As with most surgical recovery, it is important to follow discharge instructions, understand your limitations and avoid overexertion in the first few weeks of recovery. This can help to prevent injury and other unexpected complications.

Cytoreductive Surgery With HIPEC Recovery

Cytoreductive surgery, or CRS, is a complex two-step process that has shown to be an effective treatment option for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. 

The two-phase procedure involves:

• CRS – Debulking, or the physical removal of visible tumors or diseased tissue.
• HIPEC – Delivering a heated chemotherapy solution into the abdominal cavity.

The cytoreductive surgery (CRS) portion of the procedure often requires a peritonectomy, which is the removal of part or all of the peritoneum (the lining that covers the inside of the abdominal cavity and many of the abdominal organs). 

The surgeon will carefully consider the risks and benefits of removing affected tissue or organs. The goal is to remove as much visible cancer as possible while preserving healthy tissue, focusing on the best possible outcome and a safe recovery.

This surgery is often paired with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This is where a heated chemotherapy solution is circulated inside of the abdominal cavity to kill any remaining mesothelioma cancer cells left behind after the debulking process.

Recovery from a major abdominal surgery like CRS with HIPEC can be challenging. The effects of anesthesia, removal of diseased tissue and the manipulation of abdominal organs can greatly impact the digestive system. This can result in a slowing or delay in digestion and normal bowel function. Normal bowel function is required for patients to start drinking liquids and advancing to eating solid foods. 

Physicians will encourage getting out of bed to a chair and walking in the halls as soon as possible following surgery. These simple activities can improve healing, help to regain strength, and stimulate the bowel. They can also help prevent post-operative infections and other serious complications.

Cytoreduction With HIPEC Recovery Time

The dual aspect of cytoreduction with HIPEC requires a lengthy recovery. The Johns Hopkins Medicine website states the recovery time for cytoreduction with HIPEC is 2-3 months:

• 7-14 days of inpatient recovery.
• 6-10 weeks of outpatient recovery.

Patients recovering from CRS with HIPEC may experience:

• Fatigue – common as the body recovers from anesthesia and a complex surgery. This is expected to gradually improve with daily activity and rest periods. 
• Nausea – a possible side effect of anesthesia and pain medications. Often managed with anti-nausea medications.
• Pain – expected during the recovery process. In the first hours and days following surgery this is often managed with IV or epidural medications, later transitioning to oral medications. 
• Risks of bleeding, infection and effects of anesthesia – carefully monitored during recovery.

It is important to remember that every recovery process is unique.

Cytoreduction With HIPEC Recovery Steps

In the first few hours and days following CRS with HIPEC, patients may spend time in the ICU. This is a time when the healthcare team will closely monitor the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, oxygen levels, and other vital signs to ensure a safe transition from surgery to recovery. The medical staff will also be providing needed IV hydration, pain management and any other postoperative needs.

Walking exercises are an important measurement for recovery progression. Regular movement improves circulation, and helps prevent infections and blood clots. Doctors will also monitor bowel movements and intake of food, as the surgery can affect the digestive system.

Proper nutrition and hydration play an essential role in recovery after mesothelioma surgery.  The body needs adequate fluids, calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to heal surgical wounds, rebuild muscle, support the immune system, and help the organs function properly. 

It is common to have a decrease in appetite during the first few days after surgery. Your healthcare team will closely monitor your nutritional needs and encourage gradually resuming eating and drinking as your digestive system recovers.

If you are unable to eat or drink enough to meet your body’s needs, you may receive supplemental fluids and nutrition through an IV line or, in some cases, through a temporary feeding tube. These measures help ensure your body receives the nourishment it needs while you recover.

As your appetite and digestive function improve, your healthcare team will guide you in returning to a balanced, protein-rich diet to support healing and restore your strength.

Recovery From Palliative Mesothelioma Surgery

Patients may undergo palliative surgeries for mesothelioma. These procedures drain fluid and may remove a small batch of tumors, each are helpful in reducing pain and other symptoms related to the disease. The recovery from these surgeries or procedures often requires a shorter recovery than EPP, P/D, and cytoreduction. 

The most common palliative surgeries for mesothelioma are:

• Pleurodesis — Drains fluid from the pleura and closes the pleural space to prevent further fluid buildup.
• Thoracentesis — Drains fluid from the pleura to reduce pressure against the chest wall and allow the lungs to expand.
• Paracentesis — Drains fluid from the peritoneum to reduce pressure in the abdominal cavity.

Outpatient recovery and care can last a couple of weeks. It mostly involves keeping the wound clean. This requires changing bandages, washing the wound with soap and water, and monitoring any fluid leakage.

Outpatient care mostly involves cleaning the wound to prevent infection. Fluid drainage from the incision site may persist for a day or two following surgery.

Sources & Author

1. Extrapleural Pneumonectomy. University of California San Francisco Department of Surgery. Retrieved from: https://surgery.ucsf.edu/procedure/extrapleural-pneumonectomy. Accessed: 07/16/2026.
2. Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/surgery/specialty-areas/surgical-oncology/peritoneal-surface-malignancy-program.html. Accessed: 07/16/2026.
3. Peritoneal Cancer + HIPEC. Tufts Medical Center. Retrieved from: https://www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/patient-care-services/Departments-and-Services/Cancer-Center/Clinical-Care-Services/Peritoneal-Surface-Malignancy-Program/What-to-Expect-After-HIPEC-Surgery. Accessed: 07/16/2026.
4. Pleurodesis. Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/pleurodesis. Accessed: 07/16/2026.
5. Pleurodesis. St. Vincent’s Hospital Lung Health. Retrieved from: https://www.svhlunghealth.com.au/procedures/procedures-treatments/pleurodesis. Accessed: 07/16/2026.
6. About Your Thoracentesis. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Retrieved from: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/thoracentesis. Accessed: 07/16/2026.
7. About Your Paracentesis (Abdominal Tap). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Retrieved from: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/paracentesis-abdominal-tap. Accessed: 07/16/2026.

About the Writer, David Statman

David Statman is a Content Writer for Mesothelioma Guide. He received both his bachelor's and master's in journalism from West Virginia University, and has been in medical publishing since January 2022. He previously worked in sports journalism, primarily reporting on West Virginia sports for a number of publications.

He lives in Delaware with his wife, dog and two cats, and avidly competes as a professional wrestler in the Philadelphia area.