visceral pleurectomy
Surgical removal of the visceral pleura covering the lung surface, typically performed for pleural malignancy or persistent air leaks.
Full Definition
A surgical procedure involving the removal of the thin membrane (visceral pleura) that directly covers the lung surface. This technique is commonly performed in the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma, recurrent pleural effusions, or persistent air leaks following lung surgery. Visceral pleurectomy can be performed as part of pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) procedures or extrapleural pneumonectomy. The procedure requires careful dissection to avoid injury to the underlying lung parenchyma while achieving complete removal of diseased pleural tissue. It may be combined with parietal pleurectomy for maximal cytoreduction in pleural malignancies.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from parietal pleurectomy which removes the chest wall pleura.
In Context
- "Visceral pleurectomy was performed to achieve complete cytoreduction of the pleural disease." — Operative report
- "The surgeon recommended visceral pleurectomy to address the persistent air leak." — Surgical consultation