Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a highly concentrated, heated chemotherapy treatment that is delivered directly to the abdomen during surgery. The procedure treats tumours in the abdominal lining that stem from the colon, gastric, ovarian, appendix tumours, mesothelioma and other cancers.
This treatment is done to circulate the chemotherapy inside the abdomen, thus allowing it to reach more places. HIPEC is administered to prevent these cells from growing into new tumours and causing the cancer to return.
The most common risks associated with HIPEC treatments are bleeding and infection, which can occur with any operation.
Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC is an involved procedure that lasts an average of 8 to 14 hours, depending on the extent of disease. Patients usually have to remain in the hospital for 10-12 days following surgery.
With HIPEC, it is possible to cure 25 to 30 per cent of patients completely. The cost of treatment in India ranges from USD 5,442 to USD 8,362.
