Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Treatment in Turkey
About Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an advanced surgical oncology procedure used to treat cancers that have spread within the abdominal cavity, such as peritoneal carcinomatosis. Performed by a specialized Surgical Oncologist, it involves two main phases. First, a cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is performed to remove all visible tumor deposits. Immediately following, a heated, sterile chemotherapy solution is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity for 60-90 minutes. The heat enhances the chemotherapy's ability to penetrate and destroy microscopic cancer cells that remain after surgery. This targeted, localized approach delivers a high dose of chemotherapy directly to the affected area while minimizing systemic side effects, offering a potential curative option for select patients with advanced abdominal cancers.
Key Highlights
-
Targeted Treatment: Delivers high-dose chemotherapy directly to the abdominal cavity, maximizing cancer cell kill where it's needed most.Enhanced Effectiveness: The heat (hyperthermia) increases the penetration and potency of the chemotherapy against residual microscopic disease.Reduced Systemic Side Effects: Localized delivery minimizes exposure to the rest of the body, potentially leading to fewer classic chemotherapy side effects like hair loss or severe nausea.listrongCurative Potential:/strong Offers a chance for long-term survival and potential cure for cancers that were previously considered untreatable at an advanced stage./lilistrongCombined Approach:/strong Integrates the benefits of maximal surgical tumor removal (cytoreduction) with immediate, intensive local chemotherapy./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Peritoneal carcinomatosis (cancer spread to the abdominal lining) from appendiceal cancer, colorectal cancer, or ovarian cancer.
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei, a rare condition often originating from the appendix.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma (a cancer of the abdominal lining).
- Select cases of gastric (stomach) cancer with limited peritoneal spread.
- Certain rare abdominal tumors where standard treatments have limited effectiveness.
- The procedure is typically considered when the cancer is confined to the abdominal cavity and a complete or near-complete surgical removal of visible tumors is possible.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Undergo extensive imaging (CT/PET scans) and diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm disease extent and suitability for HIPEC.
- Medical Optimization: Manage any existing conditions (heart, lung, kidney) to ensure fitness for major surgery. Nutritional assessment and support may be initiated.
- Pre-operative Counseling: Detailed discussions with the surgical oncologist and anesthesiologist about the procedure, risks, and recovery expectations.
- Bowel Preparation: A clear liquid diet and bowel cleansing regimen are typically required 1-2 days before surgery.
- Medication Review: Adjust or stop certain medications (like blood thinners) as advised by the medical team.
- Fasting: No food or drink for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure as per anesthesia guidelines.
Risks & possible complications
- General Surgical Risks: Bleeding, infection, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Bowel Complications: Leakage from intestinal connections (anastomotic leak), ileus (temporary bowel paralysis), or fistula formation.
- Organ Dysfunction: Potential temporary or permanent impact on kidney, liver, or lung function.
- Chemotherapy Effects: Bone marrow suppression (leading to low blood counts), nausea, or kidney toxicity from systemic absorption.
- Long-term Issues: Adhesions (internal scar tissue), digestive changes, or chronic abdominal pain.
- Procedure-Specific: Incomplete cytoreduction, complications related to the heated perfusion, or recurrent disease.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital Stay: Initial recovery in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for 1-2 days, followed by 10-14 days or more in a regular hospital ward.
- Pain Management: Controlled with epidural or patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps initially, transitioning to oral medications.
- Nutritional Support: Intravenous (IV) nutrition is common initially. A gradual return to oral diet starts with liquids and advances slowly as bowel function returns.
- Mobilization: Early, gradual walking is encouraged to prevent complications like blood clots and pneumonia.
- Monitoring: Close monitoring of vital signs, fluid balance, and organ function. Drains are placed in the abdomen to remove excess fluid.
- Home Care: After discharge, recovery continues at home with scheduled follow-ups. Full recovery and return to normal activities can take 2-3 months, with gradual increase in strength and stamina.
-
Typical hospital stay:
14-21 days
-
Expected recovery time:
8-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy compare across other countries where we have data.
PATIENT REVIEW
As a young professional with a...
As a young professional with a hectic schedule, Dr. Acharya’s team accommodated my follow-ups efficiently without ever making me feel rushed. His balance of expertise and empathy is rare in surgical fields.