Dr Priya Sharma Healthcare Professional
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a specialised cancer treatment that combines surgery with heated chemotherapy to treat cancers that have spread to the peritoneal cavity, which is the space within the abdomen that surrounds organs like the stomach, liver, and intestines. HIPEC is designed to target cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity while minimizing systemic side effects.
Here's how HIPEC treatment works:
Cytoreductive Surgery: HIPEC is typically performed in conjunction with cytoreductive surgery. During this surgical procedure, the surgeon aims to remove as much visible tumor tissue as possible from the peritoneal cavity. This surgery can involve the removal of tumors from various organs and tissues within the abdomen.
Heated Chemotherapy Solution: After the cytoreductive surgery is complete and any visible tumors have been removed, a heated chemotherapy solution is prepared. This solution contains chemotherapy drugs that are heated to a temperature slightly above normal body temperature, typically around 41-43°C (105-109°F).
Perfusion of the Chemotherapy: The heated chemotherapy solution is then circulated into the peritoneal cavity, where it comes into direct contact with any remaining cancer cells or microscopic disease. The chemotherapy is perfused (circulated) throughout the abdomen for a specific period, typically ranging from 30 minutes to a few hours.
Stirring and Distribution: During the perfusion, the surgeon may gently move and manipulate the abdomen to ensure that the heated chemotherapy solution is distributed evenly and reaches all areas where cancer cells may be present. This helps maximize the treatment's effectiveness.
Temperature Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, the patient's body temperature and vital signs are carefully monitored to ensure that the elevated temperature is maintained within a safe range.
Removal of Chemotherapy Solution: After the designated perfusion time, the heated chemotherapy solution is drained from the abdomen, and the surgical incisions are closed.

The combination of surgery and heated chemotherapy in HIPEC offers several advantages:
The heat helps increase the penetration of chemotherapy drugs into cancer cells, potentially making them more effective.
By delivering chemotherapy directly into the peritoneal cavity, HIPEC minimizes the systemic side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy because the drugs are primarily concentrated in the abdominal area.
HIPEC allows for the treatment of small or microscopic cancer cells that may not be visible during surgery but could contribute to disease recurrence.

HIPEC is a complex procedure that requires a specialized team of surgeons, oncologists, and support staff. Not all patients with peritoneal metastases are candidates for HIPEC, and the decision to use this treatment is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the specific type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and other factors.

The cost of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment in India can vary widely depending on several factors, including the specific hospital or medical facility where the procedure is performed, the type and stage of cancer being treated, the extent of surgery required, the choice of chemotherapy drugs, the length of hospital stay, and the overall healthcare infrastructure in the region.

HIPEC treatment in India could cost anywhere from INR 2 lakh to INR 8 lakh or more. However, please keep in mind that these costs are subject to change over time, and prices can vary significantly from one healthcare facility to another.
Know more about HIPEC treatment and get cancer treatment done successfully at best hospitals like Saifee Hospital Mumbai.
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Oct 6th 2023 10:48