What is HIPEC?
HIPEC stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy It is a technique where heated chemotherapy is delivered directly inside the abdomen during surgery- Done immediately after Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS)
- Targets cancer cells that cannot be seen by the surgeon
Why HIPEC Works in
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is primarily a surface disease
chemotherapy delivered directly inside the abdomen can act on cancer cells across peritoneal surfaces
- Cancer spreads along peritoneal surfaces inside the abdomen
- Does not initially invade deep into organs
- Direct abdominal chemotherapy helps target cancer cells present across these surfaces
Key Concept
HIPEC delivers chemotherapy exactly where the disease lies — on the surfaces inside the abdomen.
Treatment is not decided only before surgery How Treatment is Planned
Final decisions are made during surgery using:
- Resection without rupture
- Frozen section (LIVE biopsy)
This allows:
Right surgery to be performed in a single operation
Why Biopsy Should Be Avoided Before Surgery
In most ovarian masses, preoperative biopsy is NOT recommended
1. Risk of Tumour Rupture
- Needle biopsy can puncture the cyst/tumour
- Leads to spillage → cancer spread
2. Does Not Change Treatment Plan
- If biopsy shows cancer → surgery is still required
- If biopsy shows no cancer → not reliable (only small sample taken)
3. False Reassurance Risk
- A negative biopsy does NOT rule out cancer
CRS + HIPEC Treatment Strategy
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with HIPEC provides a comprehensive treatment approach for advanced ovarian cancer.
How HIPEC Treatment Is Performed
Ensures uniform exposure across all abdominal surfaces
Benefits of HIPEC
Direct Action on Cancer Cells
- Targets microscopic cancer deposits on peritoneal surfaces
- Treats disease that cannot be seen during surgery
High Local Effect, Less Systemic Toxicity
- Minimal absorption into bloodstream
-
Reduced side effects on:
- Bone marrow
- Kidneys
- Other organs
- Use of stronger chemotherapy (e.g., Cisplatin)
- Higher effective dose
Heat Enhances Effectiveness
-
Heat increases:
- Drug penetration
- Cancer cell sensitivity
Step-by-Step Surgical Approach
Preoperative Evaluation
- Tumour markers
- Imaging (CT / MRI / PET)
- Fitness assessment
Resection Without Rupture
First and most critical step:
- Tumour removed intact
- Prevents spillage
- Avoids cancer spread and upstaging
Frozen Section (LIVE Biopsy)
Diagnosis during surgery. Report available in 15–30 minutes.
Guides:
- Type of tumour
- Extent of surgery
- Fertility preservation decisions
When is HIPEC Used?
HIPEC is used in selected ovarian cancer patients as part of a structured multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Clinical Situations Where HIPEC is Used
- Advanced ovarian cancer (commonly Stage III)
- During interval cytoreductive surgery
- Selected recurrent ovarian cancer cases
HIPEC Does NOT Replace Chemotherapy
Systemic (IV) chemotherapy is still required as part of complete ovarian cancer treatment.
Outcomes Depend on Complete Care
Best treatment outcomes require careful planning and complete multidisciplinary care.
- Proper patient selection
- Complete cytoreduction (CRS)
- Careful preoperative planning
- Structured postoperative care
Complexity of HIPEC Procedure
HIPEC is a highly specialized treatment performed together with major cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and requires advanced infrastructure and expertise.
Why HIPEC is Complex
A multidisciplinary high-precision procedure
- Combined with major CRS surgery
- Requires a specialized perfusion machine
- Needs an experienced surgical team
- Intensive care support is essential
Why Choose an Experienced Centre for HIPEC?
HIPEC outcomes depend heavily on surgical expertise, intensive care support, anaesthesia management, and specialized infrastructure.
Surgical Expertise
- Experienced surgeons in advanced ovarian cancer
- Complete tumour removal
- Meticulous surgical technique & consistent outcomes
Anaesthesia Expertise
- Specialized body temperature management
- Careful fluid balance monitoring
- Hemodynamic stability management
Critical during the HIPEC phase
Intensive Care Support
- Preoperative optimization
- Postoperative recovery management
Advanced Infrastructure
- Dedicated HIPEC setup
- Well-equipped operation theatre
- Trained OT staff & technicians
- Procedures performed routinely
Evidence-Based Practice
- Standardized protocols (SOPs) followed
- Experience supported by published outcomes and clinical practice
Surgical Expertise & Real Experience
Surgical videos
Educational videos
Surgical images
Real Patient & Surgical Experience
Evidence-Based Practice
- Standardized protocols (SOPs) followed
- Experience supported by published outcomes and clinical practice
Ensures safe and effective delivery of HIPEC
Verified Patient Experiences
Read real stories from patients across India who trusted our specialized surgical protocols for their recovery.
Verified Patient Experiences
Read real stories from patients across India who trusted our specialized surgical protocols for their recovery.
Watch our expert-curated shorts for quick, clear answers on diagnosis, treatment & more.
HIPEC for Ovarian Cancer in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Advanced CRS + HIPEC treatment is available in Ahmedabad at specialized centres experienced in complex ovarian cancer care.
Specialized Expertise Available
Comprehensive multidisciplinary ovarian cancer treatment
- Advanced ovarian cancer surgery
- Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
- Multidisciplinary cancer care
Patients Visit From
Seeking specialized CRS + HIPEC treatment
Common Indications
Conditions commonly treated using CRS + HIPEC
- Stage III ovarian cancer
- Recurrent ovarian cancer
Consult for Advanced Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Disease
Frequently Asked Questions
It improves outcomes when combined with proper surgery, especially in advanced disease.
Yes, when performed in experienced centres with proper monitoring.
Heat increases penetration and effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Yes, at specialized centres with trained teams and infrastructure.
