The word “chemotherapy”, which we learn with the introduction of cancer into our lives, is one of the treatment methods applied. Another method that has made a name for cancer treatment in recent years is HIPEC.
In cancer treatments of organs within the abdomen, intravenous chemotherapy is given before surgical treatment (neoadjuvant therapy) and after surgical treatment (adjuvant therapy). Sometimes, the desired result may not be obtained from the chemotherapy given before and after the operation. The progressive disease increases the person’s life risk. HIPEC application increases the patient’s life span a little and also improves the quality of life.
Why are chemotherapy drugs given by heating?
- When anticancer drugs are administered intra-abdominally, the drug becomes easier to penetrate into the tissue and increases the effect of the drug.
- Heat provides an even distribution of the drug to all surfaces in the abdomen.
- During HIPEC application, tumor cells are mechanically cleaned from small intestine surfaces and clot-fibrin layers.
How is HIPEC applied?
HIPEC device is used in HIPEC application. It is a special device that heats chemotherapy fluid. In order for the HIPEC application to work, cytoreductive surgery + peritonectomy + HIPEC should be performed sequentially and then necessarily supported by systemic chemotherapy. HIPEC is applied after intraabdominal tumor clearance. After the tumor cleaning, a total of four drains are placed, one on the lower and upper quadrants of the abdomen. The ends of the drains outside the abdomen are connected to the HIPEC device. Two heat probes are placed on the bottom of the abdomen and on the top of the abdomen to follow the temperature level. Thus, as long as chemotherapy is given, the temperature can be kept constant and monitored. The amount of chemotherapy fluid delivered is approximately 3 liters and should be 42-43 degrees centigrade. Washing with this liquid takes about 1-1.5 hours. At the end of this period, the fluid in the abdomen is taken back and the process is ended. This process, which requires 6-10 hours, should be carried out with a specialist staff.
