Cancer is one of the most significant health challenges worldwide. The experience of many of these patients is fear, stress, and questions on the way. However, the great news is that medical science continues to advance, and new therapies are emerging. HIPEC is one of such new techniques.
In this blog, we have described the HIPEC procedure, including the complete form, treatment, therapy, side effects, survival rates, and guidelines, in simple terms, so that patients and their
families can gain a better understanding of it.
What is HIPEC Surgery?
HIPEC full form is Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.
In simple terms, it is a unique form of treatment or surgery for cancer that involves surgery by doctors to get rid of visible cancerous growths within the abdomen (the belly). Following the surgery, they clean the stomach region with warm chemo drugs. The drug is warmed up, allowing it to function more effectively and destroy small cancer cells that are invisible to the eye.
HIPEC surgery is a combination of two realities:
- Cancer surgery (to remove cancerous lesions)
- Warm chemotherapy bath in the belly (to kill any remaining cancer cells)
How Does the HIPEC Procedure Work?
HIPEC generally occurs in the following manner:
- The patient is put under anesthesia (deep sleep).
- The surgeon also removes visible cancer tumours inside the abdomen.
- A special device warms the chemotherapy medicine to between 41 °C and 43°C (slightly warmer than body temperature).
- The warm medicine is left circulating in the belly, lasting approximately 30-90 minutes.
- The drug acts directly on cancer cells, making it more potent and less likely to affect other parts of the body, unlike other medicines.
- The surgery is closed after the wash and the medicine is drained.
This contrasts with regular chemotherapy, where the chemo enters the blood and affects the entire body.
How Painful is HIPEC Surgery?
A very common question patients ask is: “How painful is HIPEC surgery?”
Since the patient is under anaesthesia, they don’t feel any pain during the surgery. After surgery, as with other primary operations, there may be some pain or discomfort for a few days. Doctors give medicines to control this. Most patients recover step by step, and the discomfort reduces over time.
What are the Side Effects of HIPEC?
HIPEC is similar to any form of treatment in that it can have side effects. The usual ones are:
- Tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Temporary decrease in blood counts
- Risk of infection
- Kidney or liver stress (infrequent)
Doctors are very attentive to the patient before and after the procedure to minimise such risks.
HIPEC Guidelines
Cancer experts and hospitals follow specific guidelines, referred to as HIPEC. HIPEC is usually prescribed for cancers such as:
- Ovarian cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Cancer spreading inside the belly lining (peritoneal cancer)
Not all patients are suitable for use. The doctor will examine the health, suitability to undergo surgery, nature of cancer, and severity of cancer before advising HIPEC.
HIPEC Complications
Although HIPEC has proved to be of high effectiveness, there can be certain side effects including bleeding, infection, or fluid imbalance. These are individually calculated with reference to the health status of the patient and the degree of surgery. By choosing the right surgeon and a good hospital you can vastly improve your odds, avoid these dangers.
HIPEC Surgery Survival Rate
Patients and their families often ask them about survival odds. The survival rate of HPEC surgery depends on the kind of cancer, its stage, and the health condition of an individual. It has also been established that in some cancer, HIPEC can even boost the survival rate as opposed to using chemotherapy alone. HIPEC has provided some patients in specific kinds of cases with several years of life extension and improved quality of life.
HIPEC Surgery in India and Delhi
India is already one of the most popular destinations for advanced cancer treatment, like HIPEC, due to:
- Competent, trained surgeons
- Modern technology
- Low cost relative to other nations
HPEC surgery in India is most developed in the city of Delhi because it has highly advanced cancer facilities and trained oncologists.
The best HIPEC doctor in India must be chosen when he/she has years of experience in cancer treatment, employing the most advanced technology, and caring about his/her patients.
Precision Cancer Treatment with Compassion at Surgical Oncology Solutions
At Surgical Oncology Solutions, we believe that every patient deserves professional medical service and genuine compassion.
- Our oncology surgeons are senior and have around 20 years of experience at major cancer centres in India.
- We offer the latest treatments, including HIPEC & PIPAC, robotic surgery, and minimally invasive surgery.
- We treat diverse cancers such as stomach, ovarian, colorectal, liver, lung and gynaecological, among others.
- We take care of the family and patient all through the process including the early consultation and the final recovery stage.
Our best HIPEC surgeon in India that offers the HIPEC treatment in India, especially in Delhi. We are innovative in haematology and cancer treatment technology, and we present the best care and safety.
Our Promise
At Surgical Oncology Solutions, we treat cancer, but we treat people. Our vision is to change fear to hope and healing. We combine personalized care plans, the latest technologies, highly trained surgeons, and a human touch to deliver the best possible results to our patients.
Call to Action
When you or someone close to you is interested in learning more about HIPEC therapy or researching whether it is the best option, our staff is here to assist you.
Schedule a consultation with Surgical Oncology Solutions today.
Face to face, over video call, in our centre in India, it does not matter, we are passionate about taking the first step to recovery and doing it confidently.
Remember: Cancer is a challenging disease, but you are not alone. With proper treatment and the right team, there is always hope.
