Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

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Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (often abbreviated as HIPEC) is a form of chemotherapy used for the treatment of peritoneal involvement with malignancy.

It usually involves the instillation of heated (to around 41–43°C) chemotherapy agents directly into the abdominopelvic cavity immediately after surgery. It delivers a high dose directly to the site of potential residual microscopic cancer cells while minimizing systemic toxicity. Heating to this temperature is thought to increase drug penetration and cytotoxicity.

The patient can be gently rocked during the procedure to ensure maximum dispersion of the chemotherapy throughout the cavity. It is typically instilled for around 60–90 minutes and then drained.

See also

  • early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC)