The HIPEC procedure stands for hyperthermic (heated) intraperitoneal chemotherapy. It is a treatment option for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) and other peritoneal surface malignancies.
HIPEC is performed immediately after cytoreductive surgery, which removes as much tumoUr from the peritoneal cavity as surgically possible. Cytoreduction aims to minimize visible tumour nodules to less than 2.5 mm in size.
During the HIPEC procedure, after removing any visible tumours from the lining of the abdomen, the area is washed with a heated chemotherapy solution to kill any remaining cancer cells. The heat of the solution helps to increase the effectiveness of the chemotherapy. This procedure is done under general anaesthetic in the operating theatre, and requires a hospital stay afterwards.
Written by: Pseudomyxoma Survivor editorial team
Updated: November 24, 2022
HIPEC Methodology and Regimens: The Need for an Expert Consensus
Bhatt, A., de Hingh, I., Van Der Speeten, K. et al. (2021). HIPEC Methodology and Regimens: The Need for an Expert Consensus. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 9098–9113 (2021). Retreived November 24, 2022, from doi:10.1245/s10434-021-10193-w
Best practice for perioperative management of patients with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC
Raspé , C. et al. (2016). Best practice for perioperative management of patients with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, Science Direct. Elsevier B.V. Retreived on November 8, 2022, from doi:10.1016/j.ejso.2016.09.008.
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