HIPEC (Hyperthemic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is a method used in the treatment of some cancers, such as advanced-stage abdominal lining cancer. HIPEC involves administering chemotherapy drugs at high temperatures and directly into the abdominal cavity. This method helps deliver higher concentrations of chemotherapy to tumor cells and destroy cancer cells.
HIPEC procedure is performed after a surgical operation. First, surgical intervention removes as much of the tumor as possible. Next, the abdominal cavity is warmed, and chemotherapy drugs are administered directly into the abdominal cavity with a special device. At the end of the surgery, this process takes an additional 1 to 1.5 hours.
Who is Eligible for HIPEC?
HIPEC, peritoneal cancer (mesothelioma, pseudomyxoma peritoni), ovarian
It is used in some types of cancer, such as (ovarian) cancer and metastatic cancer in the abdominal membrane. This method may be more effective than other treatment options because chemotherapy can be applied directly to the area where the tumors have spread.
However, HIPEC cannot be applied to everyone. Factors such as the patient's general health condition, cancer stage, recurrence, and degree of spread should be considered. To whom it can be applied is decided on a patient-by-patient basis with an oncologist.
What are the Side Effects of HIPEC?
The side effects of HIPEC are generally similar to other chemotherapy treatments. Due to the high temperature and the administration of chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdominal cavity, some patients may have gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, these symptoms usually pass within a few days.
Also, because HIPEC is a surgical procedure, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, and anesthesia-related risks, as with any surgical intervention.
