What Cancers Are Treated With HIPEC?
HIPEC, which stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, is a specialized treatment approach primarily used for certain types of abdominal cancers that have spread to the peritoneal cavity. The cancers commonly treated with HIPEC include:
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This is a rare cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) caused by asbestos exposure. HIPEC is often used as a treatment option for peritoneal mesothelioma to provide localized chemotherapy delivery following cytoreductive surgery.
- Colorectal Cancer: HIPEC may be considered for select cases of colorectal cancer that have spread to the peritoneal cavity, especially if the disease is confined to this area and surgical removal of visible tumors is feasible.
- Ovarian Cancer: HIPEC can be used in advanced ovarian cancer cases where there is spread within the peritoneal cavity after initial surgical debulking.
- Appendiceal Cancer: Appendiceal cancer, including pseudomyxoma peritonei, is a type of cancer originating from the appendix. HIPEC is often employed as part of the comprehensive treatment strategy to manage this condition.
What Are The Steps Of HIPEC?
The HIPEC procedure, which stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Prior to the procedure, the patient will undergo a thorough evaluation to assess their overall health and suitability for HIPEC. The patient will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and unconscious during the procedure. The surgical team will make an incision in the abdomen to access the peritoneal cavity. They will carefully inspect the abdominal organs and surrounding tissues to identify and remove visible tumors. After the tumor removal, the surgical team will perform peritoneal lavage, which involves rinsing the peritoneal cavity with a sterile solution to remove any remaining cancer cells. Next, specialized catheters are placed within the abdomen. These catheters will be used to deliver heated chemotherapy directly to the peritoneal cavity. Once the catheters are in place, a heated chemotherapy solution is infused into the abdomen. The solution is heated to a temperature higher than normal body temperature to enhance the effectiveness of the chemotherapy and increase its penetration into the cancer cells. After the desired duration of the HIPEC treatment, the heated chemotherapy solution is drained from the abdomen, and the catheters are removed. The surgical team then proceeds to close the incision in the abdomen using sutures or other appropriate techniques.
Which Doctor In Doing HIPEC Surgery?
The HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) procedure is typically performed by a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals who specialize in the treatment of abdominal cancers. A surgical oncologist is a surgeon who specializes in the surgical management of cancer. They have expertise in performing complex abdominal surgeries, including cytoreductive surgery, which involves removing visible tumors from the peritoneal cavity. A medical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and medical treatment of cancer. They play a crucial role in the overall management of the patient's cancer, including determining the appropriate chemotherapy drugs to be used during HIPEC. Consulting with a surgical oncologist or a medical oncologist who specializes in HIPEC is recommended.
How Long Is Recovery After HIPEC?
The recovery period following HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the individual patient, the extent of the procedure, and any additional treatments that may be required. Immediately after the surgery, you will be closely monitored in the hospital's recovery area or intensive care unit (ICU) for a period of 1 to 2 days. The length of the hospital stay can range from 7 to 14 days, depending on individual circumstances and how well you progress. Remember, the duration of recovery after HIPEC can vary based on individual factors, and your medical team will provide personalized guidance and support throughout the process.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is a specialized treatment approach for certain abdominal cancers that have spread to the peritoneal cavity. Overall, HIPEC represents a significant advancement in the treatment of abdominal cancers, offering new hope and improved outcomes for patients facing these challenging diseases.