Confirm viability
Confirm whether the combination of cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC is a viable alternative.
Reviewed by Dr. Juan José Torrent — Updated: April 30, 2026
Specialized Unit
Surgery for Ovarian 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 high-complexity technology.
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Clinical summary
Peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer is treated with complete cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, with 5-year survival rates above 50% in selected patients. At Quenet-Torrent Institute (Barcelona · Madrid), the team of Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and Prof. González Bayón performs primary, interval and salvage cytoreductive surgery according to stage.
What is ovarian carcinomatosis?
Ovarian 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 ovarian 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 ovarian carcinomatosis, time is a crucial factor, but so is making informed and well-founded decisions.
How is ovarian 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
Ovarian carcinomatosis technology
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 ovarian 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 complex and innovative techniques that other teams do not offer.
Comprehensive and Multidisciplinary Approach
We form a team around you with surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nutritionists, and psychologists, all working together for your cure.
Research Advances
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 advanced 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.
What 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 advanced 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 sometimes its combination with HIPEC can have curative intent.
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?
Complex procedure with inherent risks, but expert team and international protocols minimize complications.
What is the estimated duration of the procedure?
Generally 6-12 hours in a single surgical procedure, depending on case complexity.
How long is hospitalization required?
7-14 days average, depending on individual postoperative evolution.
Is it possible to repeat surgery in case of recurrence?
Yes, in selected patients with localized recurrence and good general condition.
What is the difference between HIPEC and conventional chemotherapy?
HIPEC applies chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity at high temperature (41-43C), increasing efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity.
What prognosis can be expected after surgery with or without HIPEC?
Varies according to tumor origin and quality of cytoreduction. Survival rates significantly higher than 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.
What distinguishes Quenet-Torrent Institute from other centers?
Accumulated experience in thousands of procedures, international multidisciplinary team, state-of-the-art technology, and protocols based on international scientific evidence.
Where to treat ovarian-origin 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.
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Internationally recognised private hospital in Barcelona where the team carries out its high-complexity surgical oncology activity.
View hospital
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
Real cases
Patient testimonies and surgery explanations
Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Debra's case
66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.
Read the full caseRosario (Charo)'s case
73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology. Excellent survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseLaura's case
Rare abdominal tumor treated with complex cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC and systemic chemotherapy. Disease-free after almost 2 years.
Read the full caseSantiago's case
Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of hope and survival.
Read the full case
Verified reviews
See on Google
★★★★★
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
★★★★★
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The human treatment is great and the results are too. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
★★★★★
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
★★★★★
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
★★★★★
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
★★★★★
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
★★★★★
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
★★★★★
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. Sending my diagnosis to every center, practically all agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time since I had very aggressive cell types. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life, at surgery the harmful cells everyone diagnosed (and used to refuse to operate) were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
M
6 years ago
★★★★★
The best decision of my life was finding this excellent team of surgeons who saved my husband's life. At a prestigious international clinic in Madrid he was given up for lost with advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer, and thanks to them, the best professionals in this field, he was operated on very successfully. A perfect recovery with no complications, because they were on top of his progress at all times. They have a great quality: from the start they were very honest and close. I can only be deeply grateful; we went to buy time and thanks to them my husband got his life back.
E
7 years ago
★★★★★
Dr. Torrent is a brilliant surgeon and a very easy-going and polite doctor. When talking with him you can easily grasp his qualities as a professional and human being: perseverance, innate curiosity and passion for learning, humility, honesty and empathy. Having surgery is always an intense experience, anxieties arise and one feels very vulnerable. All of that being said, as his ex-patient I can assure that throughout the process his care and professionalism were absolutely outstanding. I felt safe, supported by him, knowing I was in good hands. I will be forever grateful. Moltes gràcies Dr. Torrent!
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