HIPEC surgery

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, or HIPEC, is a highly specialized treatment where chemotherapy medication is delivered during cancer surgery. Advocate Health Care is one of very few high-volume centers nationwide that offer this innovative delivery system to treat cancer.

What is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) surgery?

HIPEC is an alternative method of delivering chemotherapy during surgery. Traditional chemo moves through the bloodstream and can’t pass through the abdominal lining (called the peritoneum), but HIPEC goes beyond that barrier to directly treat cancer at the source. HIPEC is especially effective for certain cancers that have spread throughout the abdomen, such as hepatobiliary cancers and some gynecologic cancers.

It’s important to note that HIPEC can’t cure cancer, but people who receive this treatment often have improved quality of life and longevity.

What happens during a HIPEC procedure?

First, surgeons perform an extensive operation to remove all visible tumors (cytoreduction). After this step, the chemotherapy drug is heated, as research shows some chemo medicine is even more cytotoxic (lethal to cancer cells) when hot. Next, the drug is circulated in the abdomen for an hour or more. The chemotherapy solution is then drained, and the surgeons complete the surgical procedure. This operation may take more than six hours to complete.

HIPEC: leading edge care

HIPEC treatment is typically used once cancer has metastasized (spread) in your abdominal cavity. It’s often recommended for more complex late-stage cancers.

When HIPEC was developed in the 1990s, it was used as a treatment for a rare cancer of the appendix. Since then, HIPEC use has expanded and is now used for:

• Cancer of the appendix
• Cancer of the small intestine
• Colon or rectal cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Ovarian cancer 
• Peritoneal mesothelioma
• Some hepatobiliary (HPB) cancers, including liver and pancreatic cancer 
• Some rare forms of sarcoma
• Uterine and endometrial cancer

Benefits of HIPEC surgery

HIPEC is an aggressive, highly effective treatment that targets cancer cells that regular chemo often can’t reach.

Benefits of HIPEC include:

• A powerful, direct dose of chemo that works more effectively on cancer cells
• Fewer sessions – HIPEC is typically a one-time treatment rather than multiple rounds
• Milder side effects, since the chemo stays mostly inside the abdominal cavity

Side effects and risks of HIPEC

Chemotherapy side effects from HIPEC are similar to the side effects of chemotherapy delivered by other methods. Common complications may also include kidney failure, a leak from the intestines, inflammation of the pancreas or a decrease in bone marrow.

Like most surgeries, HIPEC comes with potential risks, such as infection or heavy bleeding. While it may not prevent cancer from returning, HIPEC can help improve your quality of life by easing symptoms and possibly extending your survival. It’s important to talk with your care team to understand your outlook and decide if HIPEC is the right choice for you.

Why you should visit Advocate for HIPEC treatment

Advocate Health Care is one of a few health care providers nationwide that offer HIPEC, an advanced chemotherapy option, to treat advanced abdominal cancers and peritoneal mesothelioma.

When you turn to Advocate for cancer care, you can expect:

• Expert doctors: Our board-certified doctors bring advanced training in cancer treatment, including expertise in the HIPEC procedure.
• Collaborative approach: A multidisciplinary team of specialists will work together to create your custom treatment plan. In many cases, you can meet with all the necessary experts in one visit, helping you begin treatment without delay.
• Personalized treatment and support: Our nurse navigators make your treatment process easier by offering guidance and support at every step along the way.