Ovarian Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Introduction

When you are diagnosed with ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis, it is normal to feel fear, uncertainty, and have many questions. This chapter is designed to help you understand what your disease means, how your treatment will work, and what you can expect at each stage of the process.

What is ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis?

The peritoneum is a thin layer that lines the inside of the abdomen and the organs within it. In some cases of ovarian cancer, tumor cells can spread across this surface. This is called peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Although the name sounds intimidating, in many cases the disease remains localized within the abdomen, which allows for treatments specifically targeted to this area.

What does my treatment involve?

Treatment usually combines chemotherapy and surgery, and is tailored to each patient individually.

In many patients, treatment begins with chemotherapy. When this chemotherapy succeeds in reducing the disease (what we call a good response), surgery is considered as the next step.

HIPEC: heated chemotherapy inside the abdomen

In patients who have responded well to prior chemotherapy, our center uses a treatment called HIPEC in some cases.

This treatment allows chemotherapy to act more directly on possible microscopic tumor cells that cannot be seen with the naked eye, with less exposure to the rest of the body.

HIPEC is not given to all patients, only when the team believes it may provide additional benefit. The indication is decided individually and is always explained to the patient beforehand.

What is surgery like and what can it involve?

Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can last several hours.

Depending on the extent of the disease, in addition to the ovary, it may be necessary to remove small parts of other organs if they are affected. This may include:

• Segments of the small intestine and colon
• Parts of the peritoneum
• Appendix
• Spleen
• Areas of the diaphragm
• Other abdominal structures

Important: These organ resections are only performed when necessary to achieve as complete a surgery as possible.

How should I prepare for surgery?

Before the intervention, the team will help you prepare:

• Maintain physical activity adapted to your capabilities
• Take care of nutrition, prioritizing a protein-rich diet
• Stop smoking if you smoke
• Resolve doubts and express concerns

Good preparation facilitates recovery.

What complications can occur after surgery?

Not all patients experience complications, but it is important to know the most common ones.

Less frequently, the following may occur:

• Bleeding
• Abdominal infections
• Problems with intestinal sutures

For this reason, these surgeries are performed in specialized centers with close monitoring after surgery.

How long will I be hospitalized?

The length of stay depends on the complexity of the surgery and each patient's progress.

As a guide:

• Standard surgery: 7-14 days
• Complex surgery: May be longer

During hospitalization, pain, nutrition, mobility, and overall recovery are monitored.

What will my recovery at home be like?

Recovery is gradual and requires patience.

It is normal to:

• Feel tired for the first weeks
• Notice digestive changes
• Need to gradually adapt your diet
• Require help at home initially

Over time, most patients regain their independence and daily routine.

What will my follow-up be like?

After treatment, you will continue with regular follow-up:

• Periodic consultations
• Imaging tests and analyses
• Assessment of symptoms and quality of life

Follow-up not only seeks to control the disease, but also to accompany you in your recovery.