HIPEC

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, or HIPEC, is a treatment option for people who have complex and advanced abdominal cancers.

Before patients receive HIPEC treatment, doctors perform cytoreductive surgery to remove visible tumors within the abdomen. First, an incision is made into the abdominal wall. Doctors then look at the extent of disease and organs affected. This surgery is performed using various surgical techniques to remove as many tumors as possible.

After the tumors have been removed, the HIPEC procedure begins. First, temperature probes are placed in each side of the abdominal wall. Then, two inflow catheters are placed in the lower abdomen, and two outflow catheters are placed in the upper abdomen. The catheters are attached to tubes that connect to the perfusion machine, which controls the temperature and flow of the chemotherapy solution. The temperature probes allow the surgical team to monitor the temperature of the solution within the abdomen.

The abdomen is then briefly sutured closed for the procedure. Saline solution enters through the inflow catheters. The solution is warmed to the necessary temperature—41 to 42 degrees Celsius, about the temperature of a warm bath.

Next, chemotherapy is added to the solution in two doses over a 90-minute period. The pump of the machine transports the solution into the abdomen. The solution flows back to the machine, where it is warmed and re-sent into the abdomen. This cycle continues throughout the procedure. During this time, gentle shaking is applied to the abdomen to allow for better mixing of the solution, and to help ensure it reaches and bathes all surfaces of the abdominal organs and tissues.

At the end of the 90-minute treatment period, the chemotherapy solution is drained from the abdomen. The abdomen is rinsed out with more saline solution. It is then reopened, and the catheters and temperature probes are removed. Finally, the abdomen is stapled shut to complete the surgery. In total, the surgery and HIPEC procedure can take 6 to 12 hours to complete.

It is recommended to consult your doctor so they can determine the cancer treatment most appropriate for you.