The decision to undergo cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a personal one and should be made in consultation with your medical team. The decision will depend on a number of factors, including the extent of the disease, your overall health, and your personal preferences and goals.
CRS/HIPEC is a complex and specialized treatment option for PMP that involves removing visible tumours in the abdominal cavity and bathing the cavity with heated chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.
While CRS/HIPEC can be a challenging procedure, it offers many patients the chance for long-term survival and improved quality of life. It’s important to understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the potential outcomes and recovery period.
Your medical team can help you understand the specifics of the procedure and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. They can also help you weigh the potential benefits and risks of the procedure in light of your individual circumstances.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo CRS/HIPEC is up to you. It’s important to carefully consider your options and make an informed decision that is right for you and your health. By working closely with your medical team and staying informed about the latest research and treatment options, you can feel more confident and prepared as you move forward in your journey with PMP.
Definitely take it, if that is the option. I was 27 when had mine nearly seven years ago and it was a worrying time with having a seven month old baby and husband at home, but that’s also why it was the best option, I wanted to get better for them.
Six years in remission, coming up seven this autumn. Having CRS/HIPEC definitely saved my life, even though the recovery was hard but I had a good support team from the Christie and my family and I can’t thank them enough. I have gone on to have another baby, now my children are seven and four. Grab it with both hands if you can!
If cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC is offered, take it. It’s definitely a massive operation but, speaking from personal experience, it’s changed my life. Every day I think "what if I didn’t take the opportunity?". I’m coming up to four years since my operation and I have no evidence of disease (NED). Life is fantastic.
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References
Should we be doing cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC for Signet Ring Cell Appendiceal adenocarcinoma?...
Levinsky NC, Morris MC, Wima K, et al. Should we be doing cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC for Signet Ring Cell Appendiceal adenocarcinoma? A study from the US HIPEC collaborative. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2019;24(1):155-164. doi:10.1007/s11605-019-04336-4
Defining “complete cytoreduction” after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC)...
Munoz-Zuluaga CA, King MC, Diaz-Sarmiento VS, et al. Defining “complete cytoreduction” after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) for the histopathologic spectrum of appendiceal carcinomatosis. Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2020;27(13):5026-5036. doi:10.1245/s10434-020-08844-5
Data for HIPEC for Pseudomyxoma peritonei/tumors of the appendix
Baumgartner JM, Kelly KJ. Data for HIPEC for Pseudomyxoma peritonei/tumors of the appendix. Cancer Regional Therapy. December 2019:93-100. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-28891-4_8
Written by: Pseudomyxoma Survivor editorial team
Updated: April 23, 2023