HIPEC ( Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy)

HIPEC ( Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy)

HIPEC, or Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, is a type of cancer treatment that involves the use of heated chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdominal cavity. It is typically used to treat cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity, such as advanced ovarian, colon, and stomach cancers.

During the procedure, the patient's abdominal cavity is first filled with a sterile solution of chemotherapy drugs, which are then heated to a temperature between 40-42°C. The drugs are circulated throughout the abdominal cavity for up to two hours, with the goal of destroying any remaining cancer cells.

The high temperature of the chemotherapy drugs is thought to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment by increasing blood flow and making cancer cells more susceptible to the drugs. The procedure is usually performed after the removal of visible tumors and may be followed by additional chemotherapy treatments.

HIPEC is a complex and invasive procedure that carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs. It is typically reserved for patients with advanced cancers who have not responded to other treatments. The decision to undergo HIPEC should be made in consultation with an experienced oncologist.