What is HIPEC surgery?

Hyperthermic or heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) surgery is a two-step procedure that can treat certain cancers in the abdomen, including peritoneal cancer.

In this procedure, cancerous tumors are surgically removed, then heated chemotherapy drugs are applied directly into the abdomen to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.

HIPEC is a treatment offered by surgeons at WashU Medicine in St. Louis.

Trang Nguyen, MD, a surgical oncologist at WashU Medicine, explains what to expect during HIPEC surgery.

Request an appointment with Dr. Nguyen: 314-362-2280

How does HIPEC surgery work?

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a surgical procedure that helps people with abdominal cancer.

First, surgeons remove any visible tumors from the abdomen. This is called cytoreductive surgery.

Next, the surgeons pump heated chemotherapy into the abdomen. This “chemo bath” circulates through the abdominal area—also called the peritoneal cavity—delivering hot chemotherapy that directly targets cancer cells.

After the infusion, the surgeons wash out the chemo and close the incisions.

What are the benefits of HIPEC surgery?

HIPEC surgery can have many benefits for people with certain cancer types.

• Fewer side effects: Because the chemotherapy is focused to one area of the body, HIPEC surgery can have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
• Heated chemotherapy: The high temperatures used in HIPEC cause blood vessels to expand, allowing the medicine to penetrate deeper.
• Increased effectiveness: HIPEC is highly effective at killing cancer cells in the abdomen.

While there can be several benefits to HIPEC surgery, Dr. Nguyen notes, it is important to discuss all potential benefits and risks with your care team before a procedure.

What is peritoneal cancer?

HIPEC surgery is a highly effective treatment for peritoneal cancer.

Peritoneal cancer often occurs when cancers from other parts of the body spread (or metastasize) to the peritoneum. The peritoneum is the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Cancers that can metastasize to the peritoneum can include:

• Colorectal cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Appendiceal tumors
• Other forms of malignancies

HIPEC surgery in St. Louis

For people in St. Louis looking for peritoneal cancer treatment, HIPEC surgery at WashU Medicine offers a highly effective, advanced treatment option.

Our surgeons are experts in minimally invasive surgical approaches that often result in shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and less pain than traditional open surgery.

Our team includes specialists from multiple disciplines, all focused on providing the highest quality of cancer care in St. Louis.

Exceptional cancer care

The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine is an international leader in cancer treatment, research, prevention, education and community outreach.

Siteman is the only cancer center in Missouri and southern Illinois to hold the prestigious Comprehensive Cancer Center designation and “Exceptional” rating from the National Cancer Institute and membership in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

HIPEC surgeons at WashU Medicine