Surgery for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis (HIPEC, PIPAC)
In peritoneal carcinomatosis, cancer cells spread into the abdominal cavity, and HIPEC and PIPAC are used in treatment. HIPEC delivers heated chemotherapy fluid into the abdominal cavity after cancer deposits have been removed, while PIPAC administers the drug laparoscopically as an aerosol. Treatment is planned individually for each patient.
- Incisions
- Small incisions (PIPAC)
- Hospital stay
- 5 to 7 days (HIPEC)
What are HIPEC and PIPAC?
HIPEC is a treatment based on administering heated chemotherapy fluid into the abdominal cavity. After cancer deposits are surgically removed, the combined effects of heat and medication help destroy microscopic cancer cells that cannot be seen. Targeting remaining cells reduces the risk of recurrence.
PIPAC administers a chemotherapy drug into the abdominal cavity as an aerosol, or mist. The procedure is performed laparoscopically through small incisions and allows the drug to be distributed evenly within the abdominal cavity.
When are they used?
Stomach, colon and ovarian cancers with peritoneal metastases
Pseudomyxoma and mesothelioma
HIPEC as an additional treatment after surgery to remove cancer deposits
PIPAC for disease that has spread to internal organs but remains manageable
PIPAC for patients unsuitable for surgery or with recurrent disease
How is treatment performed?
During HIPEC, cancer deposits are first removed surgically. A special device then delivers chemotherapy fluid at 42°C into the abdominal cavity. The fluid is circulated for approximately 60 to 90 minutes and acts directly on cancer cells.
During PIPAC, laparoscopic access is established through small incisions, and the chemotherapy drug is dispersed as a mist into the abdominal cavity. This minimally invasive technique is used as a less traumatic and effective treatment alternative, particularly for patients unsuitable for surgery or with recurrent disease.
The role of these methods in treatment
During HIPEC, heat enhances the effect of chemotherapy, helping the drug penetrate tissues more deeply and target cancer cells throughout.
Targeting microscopic cancer cells remaining after surgery reduces the risk of recurrence.
Because PIPAC is performed laparoscopically, tissue trauma is limited, recovery is shorter and return to daily life is faster.
An individual treatment plan aims to support a more comfortable postoperative recovery and preserve quality of life.
Long-term follow-up is available after treatment.
Hospital stay and recovery
Recovery depends on the treatment used. With PIPAC, less tissue damage may allow an earlier return to daily life.
Recovery at home is also part of the individual treatment plan. Long-term follow-up continues after treatment, with attention to preserving quality of life.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does chemotherapy administration take during HIPEC?
Chemotherapy fluid is circulated in the abdominal cavity for approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This is only the chemotherapy stage of treatment; cancer deposits are surgically removed beforehand.
Why is HIPEC needed if the cancer deposits have been removed?
Microscopic cancer cells that cannot be seen may remain after surgery. HIPEC targets these cells to help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Could PIPAC be an option if I am unsuitable for surgery?
PIPAC may be used for patients unsuitable for surgery or with recurrent disease. Its suitability for you is assessed when developing an individual treatment plan.