Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an advanced cancer treatment targeting tumours in the abdomen. Surgeons first remove visible tumours during surgery, then deliver heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity. The chemotherapy is heated to 41-43°C (105-109°F), which enhances its cancer-killing effect. By providing treatment locally, HIPEC targets cancer cells that may be left behind after surgery, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence.
The heat increases the chemotherapy's ability to penetrate tissues and enhances its effectiveness against cancer cells. HIPEC is commonly used for cancers like ovarian, colorectal, and gastric cancer that have spread to the abdominal lining. This approach minimizes the exposure of the rest of the body to chemotherapy, reducing side effects. The procedure usually lasts 1-2 hours, with the patient under general anaesthesia. It's often performed after surgery to ensure that all microscopic cancer cells are treated, thereby improving patient outcomes. HIPEC is a promising option for patients with advanced abdominal cancers.
HIPEC itself is a treatment procedure, not a condition. However, it is typically used for cancers that may cause symptoms like:
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Bloating or a feeling of fullness
Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue or weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Note: These symptoms depend on the underlying cancer and may vary depending on its location.
HIPEC is usually considered for patients with advanced cancers that have spread inside the abdominal cavity, such as:
Colorectal cancer
Ovarian cancer
Appendix cancer
Gastric (stomach) cancer
Mesothelioma (a rare cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen)
These cancers tend to spread within the abdomen, making traditional chemotherapy less effective because the drugs don't easily reach this area.
If you are undergoing treatment for abdominal cancers and experience any of the following, seek medical attention:
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent bloating or swelling
Unintended weight loss
Blood in stool
Frequent vomiting
Severe fatigue
These symptoms could indicate cancer progression or complications related to treatment and should be assessed by a healthcare provider.
Before deciding if HIPEC is suitable, doctors perform various tests to evaluate the cancer's location and spread. Common diagnostic tests include:
CT scans or MRI: To detect the extent of cancer spread within the abdomen.
PET scans: To identify areas of active cancer.
Laparoscopy: A small camera is inserted into the abdomen to visualize cancer spread directly.
Biopsy: A sample of tissue may be taken to confirm the cancer type.
Do's:
Follow your doctor's instructions: Adhere to post-surgery care and chemotherapy recovery guidelines.
Stay hydrated: Drinking fluids helps your body recover from the effects of chemotherapy.
Eat a nutritious diet: Eating well can aid recovery and help manage side effects.
Monitor for complications: Watch for symptoms like fever, infection, or unusual pain, and report them to your doctor immediately.
Attend follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups are crucial for monitoring recurrence or complications.
Don'ts:
Avoid heavy lifting: After surgery, give your body time to heal.
Don't ignore symptoms: Report any changes in bowel habits, pain, or signs of infection immediately.
Avoid smoking and alcohol: These can interfere with healing and increase the risk of cancer recurrence.
Don't miss medications: Stick to any prescribed medication schedule to help with pain, nausea, or other side effects.
Disclaimer:
Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's essential to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.
For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:
Cleveland Clinic | Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Mayo Clinic | Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Johns Hopkins Medicine | HIPEC Surgery: What You Need to Know
ScienceDirect.com | Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Ideal and reality
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Saba holds a Master’s degree in Pharmacy from Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi and possesses a deep understanding of medical subjects. She is an experienced teacher and is passionate about health education. She has a remarkable talent for transforming complex medical concepts into engaging, accurate, and impactful content to inspire healthier living. With a deep scientific understanding and thorough research, Saba consistently supports her writings with the latest publications, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
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Oruge is committed to promoting health awareness through clear, research-based communication. With a background in microbiology and public health, she combines scientific accuracy with an engaging writing style to simplify complex medical topics. At VivaVel Health, she contributes insightful reviews, articles, and blogs that empower readers to make informed decisions for healthier living.
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