What does HIPEC mean?
HIPEC stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.
It is a treatment performed during surgery that consists of applying heated chemotherapy directly inside the abdomen, in contact with the surface where tumor cells may remain.
How does it work?
HIPEC treatment is performed in two phases during the same surgical intervention:
Phase 1: Cytoreductive Surgery
First, the surgeon removes all visible tumors from the peritoneum (the membrane that lines the abdomen). This phase can last several hours depending on the extent of the disease.
Phase 2: Chemotherapy Bath
Once visible tumors are removed, chemotherapy liquid heated to 42-43°C is introduced into the abdomen. This solution circulates for 60-90 minutes, bathing the entire abdominal cavity.
Why is heat used?
Heat has several important benefits:
- Increases effectiveness: Heat makes chemotherapy penetrate better into tissues and be more effective against tumor cells.
- Selectively damages tumor cells: Cancer cells are more sensitive to heat than normal cells.
- Improves absorption: At higher temperatures, drugs penetrate deeper into tissues where microscopic cells may remain.
For which diseases is it used?
HIPEC is indicated mainly for tumors that have spread to the peritoneum:
- Peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin
- Advanced ovarian cancer
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei (of appendiceal origin)
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Carcinomatosis of gastric origin (selected cases)
Not all patients are candidates. Careful selection by a specialized team is essential for good results.
How long does the procedure take?
Total duration varies depending on the extent of disease and complexity of surgery:
- Less extensive cases: 4-6 hours
- Complex cases: 8-12 hours or more
It is a major surgery that requires a specialized surgical team with experience in these procedures.
Treatment benefits
- Localized treatment: Chemotherapy acts directly where the disease is, with fewer systemic side effects than intravenous chemotherapy.
- High concentrations: Much higher doses of chemotherapy can be used than intravenously because the drug stays mainly in the abdomen.
- Attacks microscopic cells: Destroys tumor cells that are too small to be seen during surgery.
- Possibility of cure: In well-selected patients, it can achieve prolonged survival or even cures.
What to expect afterwards?
Recovery from HIPEC is a gradual process:
- Hospitalization: Generally 7-14 days, depending on the extent of surgery.
- ICU: The first 24-48 hours are usually in intensive care for monitoring.
- Feeding: Gradually restarted when the intestine recovers its function.
- Full recovery: Between 4-8 weeks for normal activities, though it varies by person.
Possible complications
Like all major surgery, HIPEC has risks. The most common include:
- Surgical wound infection
- Paralytic ileus (the intestine takes time to recover movement)
- Anastomotic leak (if intestinal connections were made)
- Pulmonary complications
- Temporary kidney problems from chemotherapy
An experienced team in these procedures minimizes these risks and knows how to manage them if they occur.
Expected results
Results depend on many factors: tumor type, extent of disease, ability to remove all visible tumor, and patient's general condition.
In the best scenarios, such as pseudomyxoma peritonei or certain ovarian tumors, long-term survival rates exceed 50-70%. Your medical team will explain the specific expectations for your case.
Want to know if HIPEC is an option for you?
Our team of specialized oncological surgeons can evaluate your case and explain the available treatment options.
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