HIPEC is an advanced cancer treatment used for selected cancers that have spread within the abdominal cavity. It combines extensive tumor removal surgery with targeted heated chemotherapy to improve treatment effectiveness and long-term outcomes.
Under the expert care of Dr. K. Varun Prakash, HIPEC is performed with meticulous planning, advanced surgical precision, and a strong focus on patient safety and recovery.
What Is HIPEC?
HIPEC stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.
It is a specialised two-step procedure:
1. Cytoreductive Surgery
Removal of all visible tumors from the abdominal cavity to minimise the overall disease burden.
2. Heated Chemotherapy Circulation
A warmed chemotherapy solution is circulated inside the abdomen for a specific duration to eliminate microscopic cancer cells that may remain after surgery.
The heat enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy and improves its penetration into tissues, increasing local cancer control.
Cancers Treated with HIPEC
HIPEC may be recommended for selected patients with:
- Ovarian cancer with abdominal spread
- Colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis
- Appendix cancers
- Peritoneal surface malignancies
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei
Careful patient selection is essential to achieve optimal outcomes.
Benefits of HIPEC
Compared to traditional systemic chemotherapy alone, HIPEC offers:
- Direct delivery of chemotherapy to the affected abdominal area
- Higher concentration of medicine at the tumor site
- Reduced systemic side effects
- Improved local disease control
- Potential for longer survival in selected cases
Pre-Surgical Evaluation
Before recommending HIPEC, patients undergo detailed evaluation including:
- CT or PET scans
- Blood investigations
- Assessment of overall health and organ function
- Multidisciplinary cancer board discussion
This comprehensive evaluation ensures safety and appropriate treatment planning.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
HIPEC is a major procedure and requires close monitoring after surgery. Recovery care includes:
- Intensive post-operative observation
- Pain management
- Nutritional support
- Gradual rehabilitation
- Regular follow-up monitoring
Dr. K. Varun Prakash ensures comprehensive post-surgical care and structured long-term follow-up.