Advanced Therapy,
Improved Survival, HIPEC
at Athenaa

What is HIPEC

HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is a highly specialized procedure used to treat peritoneal surface malignancies (cancers that spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity). It involves a two-step process: cytoreductive surgery to remove all visible tumor deposits, followed by the circulation of heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity.

HIPEC is typically considered in advanced or recurrent stages of specific cancers and is offered only at high-expertise centres like Apollo Athenaa due to the complexity of the procedure. It is recommended when cancer has spread to the peritoneum or when tumor burden is resectable.

How the Procedure
is Performed

At Apollo Athenaa, every surgical step is carefully planned and performed by experienced surgeons with a focus on safety, precision, and recovery.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
Through an incision in the abdomen, the surgeons remove all the visible tumors and affected tissues.
After tumor removal, a heated chemotherapy solution (41–43°C) is circulated through the abdominal cavity using a specialized perfusion system.
The process lasts approximately 60–90 minutes.
The heat enhances the penetration and efficacy of chemotherapy, while limiting systemic absorption and side effects.
After the perfusion, the chemotherapy is drained out, and the surgical site is closed.

Recovery

Healing at Apollo Athenaa is supported through structured post-operative care, counselling, and rehabilitation support.

Hospital Stay

Usually 7–10 days, depending on recovery progress.

Close Monitoring

Careful observation for infection, bleeding, or organ dysfunction.

Pain Control

Effective pain management with early mobilization.

Recovery Timeline

Full recovery typically takes around 4–6 weeks.

Key
Advantages

At Apollo Athenaa, surgery is thoughtfully planned with a personalized approach, ensuring safety, precision, and optimal outcomes.

Local Control

Targets microscopic disease left behind after surgery, improving regional cancer control.

Reduced Toxicity

Minimizes systemic side effects by confining chemotherapy to the abdominal cavity.

Survival Benefit

Enhances survival outcomes in select cancers with peritoneal spread.

Heat Synergy

Heated chemotherapy improves drug penetration and helps overcome tumor resistance.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, our teams remain involved at every stage, ensuring that recovery is not only physical, but also emotional and empowering. Each woman is supported through:

Structured recovery support including physiotherapy, nutrition, and pain management

Access to onco-psychology and counselling services throughout recovery

Seamless coordination with medical oncology for chemotherapy or systemic treatments, if required

Ongoing physiotherapy and nutritional counselling to restore strength and wellbeing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HIPEC?

01

HIPEC is a specialized cancer treatment in which heated chemotherapy is delivered directly into the abdominal cavity immediately after tumor-removal surgery. The heat enhances the effectiveness of the chemotherapy while limiting its spread to the rest of the body.

Who is HIPEC recommended for?

02

HIPEC is offered to carefully selected patients with cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal surface), such as ovarian, colorectal, appendiceal, and select gastric cancers. Eligibility depends on disease extent and overall health.

How is HIPEC performed?

03

After cytoreductive surgery to remove visible tumors, heated chemotherapy is circulated within the abdomen for a fixed period, usually 60–90 minutes, and then removed before the surgery is completed.

What are the benefits of HIPEC?

04

HIPEC targets microscopic disease, improves local cancer control, reduces systemic side effects compared to intravenous chemotherapy, and may improve survival outcomes in selected cancers.

What is recovery like after HIPEC?

05

Recovery involves close monitoring in the hospital for 7–10 days. Pain control, early mobilization, and nutritional support are provided. Full recovery typically takes 4–6 weeks, with ongoing follow-up.

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Advanced Therapy, Improved Survival, HIPEC at Athenaa

Advanced Therapy,
Improved Survival, HIPEC
at Athenaa