extrapleural pneumonectomy

(EK-struh-PLOOR-ul NOO-moh-NEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove a diseased lung, part of the pericardium (membrane covering the heart), part of the diaphragm (muscle between the lungs and the abdomen), and part of the parietal pleura (membrane lining the chest). This type of surgery is used most often to treat malignant mesothelioma.