Confirm viability
Confirm whether the combination of cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC is a viable alternative.
Reviewed by Dr. François Quenet and Dr. Juan José Torrent — Updated: 2025
Specialized Unit
Surgery for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
At Quenet-Torrent Institute, we have a specialized unit for the surgical approach to peritoneal carcinomatosis, an advanced form of tumor dissemination. We combine cytoreductive surgery, with or without HIPEC, in a multidisciplinary environment with cutting-edge technology.
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Our team's track record
World leaders in abdominal oncological surgery
The Quenet Torrent Institute team brings decades of international experience in highly complex oncological surgery, with results published in leading scientific journals and recognition from European surgical oncology societies.
+20,000
Oncological surgeries performed
+500
Cytoreductive surgery + HIPEC procedures
30+
Years of international experience
Top
European reference centre in carcinomatosis
EXPLANATORY VIDEO
Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: What is it? What is the procedure?
A clear explanation of what peritoneal carcinomatosis is, how it is treated, and what the benefits of a specialized surgical approach are.
- Definition and origin of peritoneal carcinomatosis
- Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC procedure
- Benefits and outcomes of specialized treatment
What is peritoneal carcinomatosis?
Peritoneal carcinomatosis occurs when tumor cells spread through the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and its organs. This dissemination can originate from different types of cancer, the most frequent being colorectal, gastric, ovarian, peritoneal mesothelioma, and appendicular tumors such as pseudomyxoma peritonei.
It is an advanced condition, although not necessarily terminal. Advances in oncological surgery have made it possible to offer real treatment alternatives with curative intent, particularly when associated with the HIPEC technique in cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei, peritoneal mesothelioma, and ovarian cancer.
Why request a second opinion for peritoneal carcinomatosis?
Requesting a second medical opinion is not a sign of distrust, but a responsible attitude towards a complex diagnosis.
Compare options
Compare options when initially only palliative treatment has been proposed.
Evaluate experience
Evaluate the experience and results of the proposed center.
Updated treatment
Ensure you are receiving the most up-to-date and effective treatment available.
In pathologies like peritoneal carcinomatosis, time is a crucial factor, but so is making informed and well-founded decisions.
How is peritoneal carcinomatosis treated?
The most effective treatment for this pathology is cytoreductive surgery, which seeks to eliminate all visible macroscopic disease, sometimes followed by HIPEC, a heated chemotherapy perfusion directly into the abdominal cavity.
Single surgical procedure
It is performed in a single surgical procedure, under general anesthesia.
Localized chemotherapy
Allows the application of high-temperature localized chemotherapy, which increases its efficacy on residual tumor cells, without the usual systemic toxicity.
Selected patients
It is indicated exclusively in selected patients, after evaluation by an oncology committee.
Comprehensive assessment
At Quenet-Torrent Institute, a comprehensive assessment of each case is performed to determine treatment viability.
Our technology
Technology for peritoneal carcinomatosis
The Institute has specialized equipment in a safe surgical environment adapted to highly complex procedures.
HIPEC equipment
Latest generation HIPEC perfusion equipment ensures precise control of temperature and drug concentration.
Specific instrumentation
Specific surgical instrumentation for complex peritonectomies.
Intraoperative imaging
Intraoperative imaging systems and 3D planning tools improve surgical precision.
Digital follow-up
Digital follow-up platforms for evolutionary and postoperative patient monitoring.
WHY CHOOSE US?
When it comes to peritoneal carcinomatosis, every decision counts
Quenet-Torrent is not just a place where you receive medical care, it is a place where we help you face one of life's most difficult challenges with confidence and hope.
Experience in Complex Cases
We specialize in treating advanced and metastatic cancer, using innovative techniques that other teams do not offer.
Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Approach
We form a team around you with surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nutritionists, and psychologists, all working together for your cure.
Research and Innovation
We stay up to date with the latest scientific advances, allowing us to apply innovative treatments with better results.
State-of-the-Art Technology
We have facilities equipped with the most current medical technology, allowing us to perform high-precision procedures with less impact on the body.
Personalized and Close Care
We care about each patient as a person. We listen, support, and guide every step of the way.
Pathologies related to peritoneal carcinomatosis
Peritoneal carcinomatosis can originate from different types of cancer. Each requires a specific therapeutic approach.
Colorectal-origin carcinomatosis
Peritoneal dissemination from colon or rectal tumors. Combined treatment with cytoreductive surgery.
More informationOvarian-origin carcinomatosis
Peritoneal involvement secondary to ovarian cancer. High response to cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC.
More informationAppendicular-origin carcinomatosis
Includes pseudomyxoma peritonei. Excellent results with specialized treatment.
More informationGastric-origin carcinomatosis
Peritoneal dissemination from gastric cancer. Requires careful candidate selection.
More informationPeritoneal mesothelioma
Primary tumor of the peritoneum. Specialized treatment with curative potential in selected cases.
More informationProcedures for peritoneal carcinomatosis
We have the most specialized techniques for treating peritoneal carcinomatosis.
HIPEC
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Reference technique combined with cytoreductive surgery.
More informationPIPAC
Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy. Option for patients not candidates for radical surgery.
More informationRobotic surgery
Minimally invasive approach for diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis.
More informationWhat is the life expectancy in carcinomatosis?
Life expectancy in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis varies considerably depending on multiple factors, such as the type of primary tumor, the extent of the disease, and the patient's general condition. Each case is unique and requires a personalized evaluation by a multidisciplinary team highly specialized in oncological surgery and specifically in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Our team of experts has extensive experience in managing this complex pathology, allowing us to analyze each clinical situation in detail and offer accurate information about the most current therapeutic options and specific prognosis for each patient.
Our team
Peritoneal carcinomatosis specialists
Every physician at Quenet-Torrent Institute is a recognized expert in their field, committed to the well-being of each patient.
Dr. Francois Quenet
Oncological surgeon
View doctor"As an oncological surgeon dedicated for decades to treating peritoneal carcinomatosis, I believe our main mission is to transform the approach to this stage of the disease."
Dr. Juan Jose Torrent
Oncological surgeon
View doctor"The key to success lies in three pillars: meticulous candidate selection, mastery of specialized techniques, and an expert multidisciplinary team."
Prof. Luis Gonzalez Bayon
Oncological surgeon
View doctor"Peritoneal carcinomatosis is not a single disease, but a spectrum of clinical scenarios that require individualized approaches."
Dr. Pablo Lozano Lominchar
Oncological surgeon
View doctor"Every intraoperative decision counts: maximum oncological radicality with minimum functional impact."
Dr. Clara Montagut
Medical oncologist
View doctor"Carcinomatosis surgery only makes sense within a global strategy where systemic treatments are coordinated with the intervention."
Frequently asked questions about peritoneal carcinomatosis
Answers to the most common questions about diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Is peritoneal carcinomatosis always terminal?
No. In selected patients, cytoreductive surgery and its combination with HIPEC can have curative intent. The best outcomes are achieved at specialized high-volume centers.
Who are candidates for surgery?
Patients evaluated by a multidisciplinary oncology committee considering disease extent, general condition, and response to previous treatments.
What risks does the intervention involve?
It is a complex procedure with inherent risks, but the expert team and international protocols minimize complications. Proper patient selection is key to reducing surgical risk.
What is the estimated duration of the procedure?
Generally 6-12 hours in a single surgical procedure, depending on case complexity, always adapted to the actual extent of disease found during surgery.
How long is hospitalization required?
Between 7 and 14 days on average, depending on individual postoperative progress. It may be prolonged according to clinical evolution; the team assesses each case individually.
Is it possible to repeat surgery in case of recurrence?
Yes, in selected patients with localized recurrence and good general condition. The Quenet Torrent Institute team offers individualized assessment of each recurrence case.
What is the difference between HIPEC and conventional chemotherapy?
HIPEC applies chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity at high temperature (41-43°C), increasing efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity.
What prognosis can be expected after surgery with or without HIPEC?
It varies according to tumor origin and quality of cytoreduction. Survival rates are significantly higher than with conventional systemic treatments.
What types of tumors respond best to this approach?
Pseudomyxoma peritonei, peritoneal mesothelioma, and ovarian cancer show the best responses to combined treatment. At Quenet Torrent Institute, each case is individually evaluated by the multidisciplinary committee.
What distinguishes Quenet-Torrent Institute from other centers?
Accumulated experience in thousands of procedures, an international multidisciplinary team, state-of-the-art technology, and protocols based on scientific evidence.
Where to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis?
We operate in two private hospitals of reference in Spain. The same medical team treats you in Madrid and Barcelona, with the same surgical and oncological standards.
Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology and cutting-edge surgical technology.
View hospital
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Leading private hospital in Barcelona where the team carries out its high-complexity surgical oncology activity.
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