Peritonectomy of the colonic mesentery. Case report of a new surgical technology

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a local-regional disease process that requires a comprehensive treatment plan including complete cytoreductive surgery and regional chemotherapy. CASE PRESENTATION: Treatments used in our patient began with a complete cytoreductive surgery. This required visceral resections, parietal peritonectomy, peritonectomy of the small bowel and its mesentery, and a peritoneal resection of the colonic mesentery with sparing of the major vasculature of the large bowel. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Peritoneal resection of the colonic mesentery and other treatments were performed in the absence of major complications. A 20-day hospitalization was required. The patient shows no internal hernias and no evidence of disease by CT follow-up at 4 years postoperatively. Her quality of life is excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma was in the past a disease of limited survival without effective treatment options. Peritoneal resection of the colonic mesentery may be required for complete cytoreduction. A sequence of cytoreductive surgical procedures and regional chemotherapy treatments has made long-term survival possible.