HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is a heated chemotherapy treatment delivered
directly inside the abdominal cavity, immediately after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) has removed
all visible tumour deposits. Once the surgery is complete, a warmed chemotherapy solution is circulated through
the abdomen for a set period to destroy microscopic cancer cells that surgery alone cannot remove.
Heating the drug improves how deeply it penetrates tissue while keeping most of the exposure local to the abdomen
rather than the whole body. HIPEC is considered for carefully selected patients with appendiceal cancer,
colorectal cancer that has spread to the peritoneum, ovarian cancer, pseudomyxoma peritonei, and certain
gastric cancers with limited peritoneal involvement.
PIPAC (Pressurised Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy) is a laparoscopic, minimally invasive
alternative in which chemotherapy is delivered as a pressurised aerosol rather than a liquid wash. The pressure
helps the drug spread evenly across the abdominal cavity and penetrate tumour deposits more effectively than a
passive fluid exchange would.
It is generally considered for patients with peritoneal metastases who are not candidates for
complete cytoreductive surgery or HIPEC, or as part of an ongoing treatment plan aimed at
controlling disease and preserving quality of life.
These are not interchangeable treatments — they serve different situations. Cytoreductive surgery physically removes visible tumour from the abdominal lining and organs. HIPEC follows immediately after, treating what surgery cannot see. PIPAC is used separately, usually laparoscopically and often repeated at intervals, for patients whose disease is not suited to complete cytoreduction. Which combination is appropriate, if any, depends on how far the disease has spread and a patient's overall fitness for surgery
HIPEC Surgery is used to treat advanced abdominal malignancies with limited spread within the abdominal cavity. It is commonly recommended for selected patients with the following cancers.
HIPEC is an effective treatment option for selected cases of appendiceal cancer.
Used for colorectal cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdomen.
Can improve outcomes in selected patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Suitable for selected gastric cancer cases involving peritoneal spread.
Used in carefully selected patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.
HIPEC offers a specialized treatment approach for primary peritoneal cancer.
During HIPEC Surgery, a high dose of chemotherapy is delivered directly inside
the abdomen which kills the microscopic disease remains after cytoreductive
surgery. While the traditional methods i.e. systemic chemotherapy delivered via
intravenous cannot effectively reach.
Studies have shown that HIPEC Surgery improves long-term outcomes in properly
selected patients, it provides more treatment options in advance or inoperable
cancer.
This depends upon the severity of the disease and spread as well as patient fitness
for this procedure. Your doctor decides whether you are the right candidate for this
surgery.
Dr Tapan Chauhan is a trained HIPEC Surgery specialist and has performed
several of these advanced procedures in past years and successfully treated
advanced gastrointestinal and ovarian cancer with this technique. He has done a
fellowship in Cytoreductive surgeries and HIPEC from high volume centre in
Lyon, France. So consult Dr.Tapan to discuss the right option, and find out if you
are the candidate for HIPEC.
Peritoneal cancers often develop with subtle symptoms that may be mistaken for common digestive problems. If any of the following symptoms persist or worsen, prompt evaluation by a surgical oncologist is recommended.
Continuous or recurring abdominal pain that does not improve with routine treatment.
Persistent abdominal fullness, swelling, or bloating that gradually increases.
Abnormal fluid buildup inside the abdomen causing discomfort and distension.
Significant weight loss without changes in diet, exercise, or lifestyle.
Reduced desire to eat or feeling full quickly despite eating very little.
Persistent nausea or repeated vomiting without an obvious cause.
Persistent constipation, diarrhea, or noticeable changes in bowel movements.
Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.
Persistent tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy affecting daily activities.
HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) and PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy) may be recommended for carefully selected patients with peritoneal surface malignancies and cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is designed to target cancer cells within the abdominal cavity immediately after cytoreductive surgery. By delivering heated chemotherapy directly to the affected area, HIPEC offers several advantages over conventional intravenous chemotherapy in carefully selected patients.
Chemotherapy is delivered directly into the abdominal cavity, targeting areas where cancer cells are most likely to remain.
Heated chemotherapy achieves higher concentrations at the tumor site while limiting exposure to the rest of the body.
Helps eliminate microscopic residual cancer cells that may remain after cytoreductive surgery.
Compared with intravenous chemotherapy, HIPEC minimizes systemic drug exposure, reducing side effects in many patients.
Helps reduce the risk of cancer recurrence within the abdominal cavity in appropriately selected patients.
When combined with complete cytoreductive surgery, HIPEC may improve long-term survival and overall treatment outcomes in selected patients.
Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment that delivers chemotherapy as a pressurized aerosol directly into the abdominal cavity. It is designed to improve drug distribution and tissue penetration while minimizing systemic side effects in carefully selected patients.
Performed laparoscopically through small incisions, resulting in less surgical trauma and quicker recovery.
Aerosolized chemotherapy spreads evenly throughout the abdominal cavity, ensuring improved coverage of affected tissues.
Pressurized delivery enhances chemotherapy penetration into tumor tissue, improving local treatment effectiveness.
The procedure can be repeated at planned intervals when clinically appropriate, depending on the patient's condition.
Most patients experience a shorter hospitalization compared with more extensive surgical procedures.
The minimally invasive approach supports faster recovery, allowing patients to resume daily activities sooner.
PIPAC may provide an additional treatment option for selected patients with advanced peritoneal cancers who meet appropriate clinical criteria.
Dr. Tapan Singh Chauhan is a highly experienced Surgical Oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal (GI), hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB), and peritoneal surface malignancies. With expertise in advanced surgical techniques, including Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS), HIPEC, PIPAC, and robotic-assisted cancer surgery, he provides personalized, evidence-based treatment to achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient.
Extensive experience in managing complex cancer surgeries with a patient-centered approach.
Specialized in treating gastrointestinal, hepatopancreatobiliary, and peritoneal surface malignancies.
Expert in advanced cytoreductive surgery for carefully selected patients with peritoneal cancers.
Offers state-of-the-art intraperitoneal chemotherapy techniques for eligible patients.
Advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques for greater precision, less pain, and faster recovery.
Individualized treatment strategies based on the patient's condition, cancer stage, and overall health.
Collaborative treatment planning with medical, radiation, and surgical oncology specialists.
Focused on internationally accepted treatment protocols and enhanced recovery pathways for optimal outcomes.
Find answers to common questions about HIPEC, PIPAC, Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS), eligibility, recovery, and treatment for peritoneal surface malignancies.