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HIPEC Surgery: What You Need to Know

What Is HIPEC Surgery?

HIPEC surgery stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. It is a special cancer treatment. Doctors use HIPEC surgery to treat certain cancers in the belly area. First, they remove visible tumors with surgery. Then, they use warm chemotherapy medicine inside the belly. This helps kill any cancer cells left behind. Because the medicine is heated, it works better on cancer cells. The HIPEC procedure is different from regular chemotherapy. Instead of going through the whole body, the medicine stays in the belly. This means fewer side effects for most people.

Who Needs HIPEC Surgery?

Not everyone with cancer needs HIPEC surgery. Doctors use it for cancers that have spread inside the belly. These may include:

  • Ovarian cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Appendix cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma

    • Usually, HIPEC cancer treatment is for people whose cancer has not spread outside the belly. Doctors will check your health and cancer type before suggesting HIPEC surgery. Sometimes, people who have tried other treatments may benefit from this procedure.

    How Is HIPEC Surgery Performed?

    The HIPEC procedure has two main steps. First, doctors remove as much of the tumor as possible. This is called cytoreductive surgery. Next, they use the HIPEC method. Here is how it works:

  • You receive anesthesia, so you sleep during the surgery.
  • The surgeon removes visible tumors from your belly.
  • After that, a warm chemotherapy solution is placed inside your belly.
  • The solution is gently moved around for about 60–90 minutes. This helps the medicine reach all areas.
  • Finally, the solution is drained, and the surgeon closes the incision.

    • Because the chemotherapy is heated, it can kill more cancer cells. Also, since it stays in the belly, it causes fewer side effects in other parts of the body.

    Benefits and Risks of HIPEC Surgery

    Like any treatment, HIPEC surgery has both benefits and risks. Let’s look at both sides.

    Benefits

  • Targets cancer cells directly in the belly
  • Reduces side effects compared to regular chemotherapy
  • May improve survival for some cancers
  • Can be used when other treatments have not worked

    • Risks

  • Infection or bleeding after surgery
  • Possible damage to nearby organs
  • Temporary problems with eating or digestion
  • Longer recovery time than some other treatments

    • Doctors will discuss these risks with you. According to the World Health Organization and leading cancer centers, HIPEC surgery is safe for many people, but not for everyone.

    Recovery and Aftercare

    After HIPEC surgery, you will stay in the hospital for several days. Doctors and nurses will watch you closely. You may need help with eating and moving at first. Most people feel tired and weak for a few weeks. However, you will slowly get stronger each day. Here are some tips for recovery:

  • Follow your doctor’s advice about food and activity
  • Take medicines as prescribed
  • Watch for signs of infection, like fever or redness
  • Ask for help if you feel pain or discomfort

    • Regular check-ups are important. Your doctor will check your progress and look for any signs of cancer coming back.

    Frequently Asked Questions About HIPEC Surgery

  • Is HIPEC surgery painful? You will be asleep during the procedure. Afterward, you may feel sore, but pain medicine can help.
  • How long does the HIPEC procedure take? The whole surgery can last 6–10 hours, but the HIPEC part is about 1–2 hours.
  • Will I need more chemotherapy after HIPEC? Sometimes, yes. Your doctor will decide based on your cancer type and recovery.
  • Is HIPEC surgery a cure? For some people, it can remove all visible cancer. However, it may not cure everyone. It often helps people live longer and feel better.
  • What are the chances of cancer coming back? This depends on your cancer type and stage. Your doctor can give you more details.

    • Prevention and Lifestyle Guidance

    While HIPEC surgery treats cancer, it does not prevent it. However, you can lower your risk of some cancers by:

  • Eating a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables
  • Staying active and exercising regularly
  • Not smoking or using tobacco
  • Seeing your doctor for regular check-ups

    • These steps may help you stay healthy. But, if you have a family history of cancer, talk to your doctor about your risks.

    Conclusion

    HIPEC surgery is a special treatment for certain cancers in the belly. It uses heated chemotherapy to target cancer cells directly. While it has benefits, there are also risks. Recovery takes time, but many people feel better after treatment. If you think HIPEC surgery might help you or a loved one, consult a specialist at Sagar Hospital & Cancer Care for personalized guidance on HIPEC surgery.

     
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