HIPEC procedures
Keywords:HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) is a surgical procedure that can be performed as a treatment for an appendiceal cancer, pseudomyxoma peritonei. We carry out all HIPEC procedures at Meilahti Tower Hospital. In the unit, we offer treatment on a national level in Finland.
In the disease, the tumor in the appendix which produces mucus ruptures and causes mucus to accumulate extensively in the abdominal cavity. The objective of the HIPEC procedure is to remove the tumor areas by decortication of the peritoneum and, if necessary, performing organ excisions. If we are able to remove the tumor mass, we will rinse the abdominal cavity with a mitomycin chemotherapy drug.
A HIPEC procedure lasts an average of eight hours and requires intensive care of the patients for a minimum of 24 hours after surgery. Hospitalization lasts an average of three weeks.
Both the extensive surgery and the administered chemotherapy rinse increase the risk of serious complications, i.e. postoperative problems. Not all patients arriving for surgical assessment are suitable for the HIPEC treatment due to their disease or poor general condition.