What is HIPEC?
Cancer has no shame and doesn’t spare anyone; it is increasingly afflicting people globally from all walks of life, whether poor or rich, old or young, notwithstanding. Not to be outdone, scientists are also pursuing research and developing newer and more effective methods to treat these cancers, with HIPEC being one of them. The full form of HIPEC is rather a mouthful and stands for Hyperthermic (or Heated) Intraoperative Peritoneal Chemotherapy.
This form of treatment is especially useful for peritoneal mesothelioma and abdominal cancers of the stomach, appendix, colon or ovaries that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity.
What is it?
HIPEC is a highly concentrated heated intraperitoneal chemoperfusion therapy that is delivered directly to the abdominal site during the course of surgery. Unlike the usual systemic chemotherapy, where the toxic drug circulates throughout the body, HIPEC is an alternative, innovative method that delivers the drug directly to the cancer cells in the abdomen. This method also allows for higher concentrations of drug delivery. Research has shown that some drugs are better absorbed when heated, so the solution containing the drug is heated and used to flood the abdomen to take care of any cancerous cells left behind after surgery.
Method
HIPEC is a very viable option for cancer patients who have advanced surface spread of abdominal cancers, without disease involvement outside it. HIPEC is a multi-modal therapy that combines surgery with heated intra-operative, intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The first step to the procedure is cytoreductive surgery to remove as much tumour growth as possible via specialized surgical techniques. The next step is to deliver heated and sterilized cytotoxic drug to the abdomen to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Heating the drug solution refers to a comfortable 41-42 degrees, the temperature of a warm bath that is allowed to bath the abdomen for one and a half hours. The last stage is to drain off the solution and close the surgical site.
Advantages
HIPEC is an improvement on the traditional methods of chemotherapy with patients surviving for longer periods.
- One of the main positives of HIPEC is that it allows for higher doses of chemotherapy as the drug is delivered locally.
- It minimizes the chances of the rest of the body being exposed to cytotoxic chemotherapy.
- There is better absorption of the heated drug with greater susceptibility of the cancerous cells.
- Another big plus is that there are fewer side-effects to the chemotherapy.
- There are better survival rates with HIPEC.
- Using localized treatment that exposes more cells to drugs means there are lower chances of chemotherapy resistance.
- A major downside to traditional chemotherapy is that as the cytotoxic drug travels through the bloodstream, it kills any cell that is multiplying rapidly – and ends up harming normal cells too, resulting in the uncomfortable side-effects. In this instance, HIPEC is a boon as it produces lesser side-effects.
Recovery
You will need to be patient as recovery usually takes several months with low energy levels for the first 2-3 months. However, you need to try and be as active as possible (within your limitations), each day trying to accomplish more.
Can Epilepsy Be Cured Permanently? Treatment Options Explained
At KIMSHEALTH, expert neurologists provide advanced epilepsy diagnosis and treatment in Thiruvananthapuram using modern technologies including Video EEG monitoring and epilepsy surgery.
Diet and Lifestyle Before and After Liver Transplant
Nutrition and lifestyle choices play an important role both before and after liver transplant. Proper care supports recovery, reduces complications, and improves long-term health.
Life After Liver Transplant: Recovery and Long-Term Care
Recovery after liver transplant varies from person to person. With appropriate medical care and follow-up, most people experience significant improvement in health and quality of life.
Liver Transplant Eligibility and Evaluation: How Doctors Decide
Not everyone with liver disease requires a transplant. Liver transplant eligibility is determined through a detailed medical evaluation designed to assess disease severity, overall health, and the likelihood of long-term benefit from transplantation.
Liver Transplant Outcomes and Long-Term Survival
Liver transplantation has become an effective treatment with improving outcomes worldwide. Advances in surgery, medication, and post-transplant care have significantly increased survival rates and quality of life.
Liver Transplant: Overview, When It Is Needed, and What to Expect
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure used to replace a damaged or failing liver with a healthy liver from a donor. It is considered when the liver can no longer perform essential functions needed to sustain life. Advances in medical care have made liver transplantation a well-established and effective treatment for selected patients with advanced liver disease.
Liver Transplant: Symptoms That May Indicate Advanced Liver Disease
Liver disease can progress gradually, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. As liver function declines, symptoms may become more apparent and may signal the need for specialist evaluation.
Living Donor vs Deceased Donor Liver Transplant: Key Differences Explained
Liver transplantation can be performed using a liver from a deceased donor or a portion of liver from a living donor. Both approaches are well-established and effective. Understanding the differences helps patients choose the most appropriate option.
Preparing for Liver Transplant Surgery: Steps Before the Procedure
Preparing for liver transplant surgery involves medical, physical, and emotional readiness. Proper preparation improves surgical outcomes and recovery.
Risks and Complications of Liver Transplant: What Patients Should Understand
Liver transplant is a major surgical procedure that offers life-saving benefits for people with advanced liver disease. Like all complex medical treatments, it carries potential risks and complications. Understanding these risks helps patients and families make informed decisions and prepare for recovery.
Best Epilepsy Treatment in Kerala – Dr. Syamlal S
Epilepsy treatment in Kerala is most effective when managed by the best epilepsy specialist in Kerala, such as [Dr. Syamlal S](https://www.kimshealth.org/trivandrum/doctor/dr-syamlal-s), a leading epilepsy doctor in Kerala known for accurate diagnosis, advanced seizure treatment, and long-term neurological care. Most epilepsy cases can be successfully controlled with proper medical management.
Best Stroke Treatment in Kerala
Stroke treatment in Kerala is most effective when delivered within the golden hour by experienced neurologists like Dr. Syamlal S, who specialises in rapid diagnosis, emergency stroke management, and long-term rehabilitation. Early intervention significantly reduces disability and improves recovery outcomes.
EPILEPSY TREATMENT & SURGERY IN KERALA
If you are searching for the best epilepsy treatment in Kerala or the top epilepsy specialist in Trivandrum, KIMSHEALTH—led by experts like Dr. Syamlal S—offers world-class, comprehensive epilepsy care with outcomes comparable to leading international centres.
Parkinson’s Disease Treatment in Kerala
KIMSHEALTH, under the expert care of Dr. Sandhya Manorenj, is among the best centres for Parkinson’s Disease treatment in Trivandrum, Kerala, and South India, offering world-class diagnosis, advanced therapies, and holistic rehabilitation tailored to each patient.
STROKE TREATMENT IN TRIVANDRUM
KIMSHEALTH offers advanced stroke treatment in Thiruvananthapuram, providing 24x7 emergency care, rapid diagnosis, and life-saving interventions.
Functional MRI (fMRI) - Advanced Brain Mapping
Functional MRI (fMRI) is an advanced and non-invasive brain imaging technique that helps doctors understand how different parts of the brain work in real time. Unlike a routine MRI that mainly shows the structure of the brain, fMRI identifies active brain areas by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygen levels while a person performs simple tasks such as speaking, moving a hand, reading, or thinking.
Ten Effective Remedies That You Can Refer to When You Are Suffering from Muscle Cramps
Finally starting off with the gym life can get too overwhelming until you hit those muscle cramps along with the weights.
ICSI(Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Normally during every mid-menstrual period, one of the 2 ovaries releases an ovum. Each ovum is covered by a membrane called follicle,
Pregnancy and Delivery Care
Nothing could possibly compare to the joy of becoming a parent. After nine long months of waiting, the moment you have been waiting for is almost there:
Some Common Causes of Chest Pain
The first thing that jumps into the mind whenever you have some sort of chest pain is heart attack! It’s only human to feel that way
Organic Food Vs GMO Food: What Should You Pick?
There is no doubt that the quality of food we consume is crucial for our good health. And with more people becoming health conscious the d
Importance of Breastfeeding and Vaccinations for Newborns
Going nature’s way is best when it comes to providing nourishment for the apple of your eye – your baby. Breast milk is best for your baby as it
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A Breakthrough in Kidney Stone Treatment
Kidney stones, those small, hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, can cause excruciating pain and discomfort.
Skin Tags - Benign Tumor or Cancerous Tumor?
Skin tag if observed is a narrow stalk that hangs about your skin, bulging at the end. They are usually freshly colored and can grow anywhere on your body.
3 Ways Vitamin C is Helpful for the Immune System
The water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is helpful in building up the blood vessels, skins, and making bones stronger
Related Blogs
Can Epilepsy Be Cured Permanently? Treatment Options Explained
At KIMSHEALTH, expert neurologists provide advanced epilepsy diagnosis and treatment in Thiruvananthapuram using modern technologies including Video EEG monitoring and epilepsy surgery.
Diet and Lifestyle Before and After Liver Transplant
Nutrition and lifestyle choices play an important role both before and after liver transplant. Proper care supports recovery, reduces complications, and improves long-term health.


































