The Procedures
Dr. Paul Sugarbaker coined what is now known as the Sugarbaker Procedure: cytoreductive surgery followed by chemotherapy. The procedure bears his name because Dr. Sugarbaker was the first to perform it over a decade ago.
On the subject of asbestos-related disease, you will not find a greater authority than Dr. Paul Sugarbaker.
The Beginning
In the beginning, people heavily criticized the aggressive and radical nature of this procedure. However, it would eventually become Dr. Sugarbaker’s signature treatment for abdominal cancer and peritoneal mesothelioma. Dr. Sugarbaker has promoted this surgical technique for many years as a superior treatment method.
What Does the Surgery Involve?
This surgery involves removing the lining of the abdomen and assessing for tumor spread. The surgeon then removes all visible tumors. Finally, he or she will bathe the abdominal organs in heated chemotherapy for 90 minutes or longer. The entire procedure lasts for about 10 hours.
The Sugarbaker Procedure is credited with improving the prognosis of individuals with peritoneal mesothelioma, extending life expectancy by five years or even longer. This survival advantage is considerable, especially when compared to the estimated survival of patients with pleural mesothelioma. Dr. Sugarbaker has been instrumental in this field, and on the subject of asbestos-related disease, you will not find a greater authority.
Rae Steinbach
Lauren Weinand