About the diagnosis
I have been told I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. What exactly does that mean?
Peritoneal carcinomatosis means that tumor cells have spread across the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen. It can come from different types of cancer (ovary, colon, stomach, appendix...). Although it sounds serious, in many cases it can be treated with specialized surgery. We recommend reading our guide to peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Does this mean my cancer has spread a lot?
Not necessarily. Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a form of spread, but it is limited to the abdomen. Unlike metastases to other organs (lung, liver, bone), peritoneal disease can be treated effectively with surgery in many cases. The extent and location of the disease will determine the treatment options.
I was told my disease is inoperable. Is that final?
Not always. What one center considers "inoperable" may be treatable at another center with more experience in peritoneal surgery. At Quenet Torrent Institute we assess cases that have been turned down elsewhere, and in some of them we find treatment options. It is worth getting a second opinion.
About the treatments
What is the difference between HIPEC and PIPAC?
HIPEC is a curative treatment that combines major surgery (removing all visible tumors) with heated chemotherapy in the abdomen. PIPAC is a lighter procedure that delivers chemotherapy as an aerosol through laparoscopy. PIPAC can be used when the disease is very extensive, as palliative treatment, or to prepare for surgery with HIPEC.
Am I a candidate for surgery with HIPEC?
It depends on several factors: the type and extent of your tumor, your general health, and whether all visible tumor can be removed. Not every patient is a candidate, but the only way to find out is a full assessment by a specialized team. We can review your case with no obligation.
Will I need chemotherapy as well as surgery?
It depends on the type of tumor and your specific situation. Many patients receive chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant) to reduce the disease, or after it (adjuvant) to lower the risk of relapse. Your oncologist and surgeon will explain the treatment plan recommended for your case.
How many times can PIPAC be done?
PIPAC can be repeated several times, usually every 6-8 weeks. The number of sessions depends on how the disease responds. It can continue as long as there is benefit and you tolerate it well. At each session the response is assessed and a decision is made on whether to continue.
About the surgery
How long does the operation take?
It depends on the extent of the disease. Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC can take from 4-6 hours in more limited cases to 10-12 hours or more in extensive cases.
Is it a very dangerous surgery?
It is major surgery and carries risks, like any operation of this complexity. However, in the hands of experienced teams, serious complications are uncommon. Mortality at specialized centers is below 2-3%. In well-selected patients, the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Might organs be removed during surgery?
Possibly. Depending on where the tumor is, it may be necessary to remove part of the peritoneum, the bowel, the spleen, the gallbladder, the uterus and ovaries, or parts of other organs. The goal is to remove all visible tumor. The surgeon will explain beforehand what is likely to be needed, although the final decision is made during the operation.
Could I end up with a colostomy bag?
In some cases, especially if the tumor involves the rectum or several bowel resections are needed, an ostomy (colostomy or ileostomy) may be necessary. It is often temporary and can be reversed months later. Your surgeon will tell you about this possibility before the operation.
About recovery
How long will I be in the hospital?
After cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC, the usual hospital stay is 7-14 days, depending on the extent of the surgery and your recovery. The first 24-48 hours are usually spent in the ICU for monitoring. After PIPAC, normally 1-2 days.
When will I be able to get back to normal life?
Most patients return to their everyday activities 4-8 weeks after major surgery. More demanding activities (intense exercise, physical work) may take longer. Everyone is different, and recovery depends on the extent of the surgery and your condition beforehand.
Will I be in a lot of pain afterward?
You will have pain, but it should be well controlled with medication. In the hospital you will receive continuous pain relief, adjusted as you need it. When you go home you will take pain pills with you. It is important to tell us if your pain is not well controlled so we can adjust the treatment.
Will I be able to eat normally?
Yes, although carefully at first. After surgery, the bowel needs time to recover. You will start with liquids and progress gradually. During the first weeks at home, eat small, frequent meals and avoid very large meals or food that is hard to digest. Most patients are back to a normal diet within 4-6 weeks.
About the results
Can this treatment cure me?
In well-selected patients, yes. The chances of cure depend on the type of tumor, the extent of the disease, and whether all visible tumor can be removed. In tumors such as pseudomyxoma peritonei or certain ovarian cancers, long-term survival rates are very encouraging. Your doctor will explain what to expect in your specific case.
What if the disease comes back?
Recurrence is possible in some patients. If it happens, there are options: further surgery may be possible, as may PIPAC, systemic chemotherapy or other alternatives. You will have regular follow-up with imaging tests to detect any relapse early and act as soon as possible.
When will I know if the treatment has worked?
Gradually. After surgery you will receive the pathology results, which report on the surgical margins and the features of the tumor. Follow-up with imaging tests (CT, MRI) every few months during the first years will show whether the response is sustained or whether there are signs of recurrence.
Practical questions
How can I request an assessment?
You can contact us through the form on the website, by phone or by email. We will need your recent medical reports (histology, CT, oncology reports). After reviewing your case, we will get in touch to tell you whether we can help and what the next steps are.
I live far from Barcelona. Is treatment possible?
Yes, we see patients from all over Spain and from abroad. The first consultation can be in person or remote (video call). If you decide to be treated with us, we will help you with the logistics. Many patients arrange to come for the weeks needed and keep their follow-up coordinated with their local doctors.
Is it covered by the Spanish public health system (Seguridad Social)?
Peritoneal surgery treatments are covered by public healthcare when they are performed at hospitals in the Spanish National Health System. If you come as a private patient, we will inform you about costs and financing options. If you have private insurance, check your coverage with your insurer.
Can I ask for a second opinion?
Yes. Getting a second opinion is highly advisable in complex cancer cases. It does not mean you distrust your current doctors. It means making sure you know all the options. Send us your reports and we will give you our opinion with no obligation.
For families and caregivers
How can I help my relative before surgery?
Your emotional support helps a lot. Help them follow the preparation instructions (nutrition, exercise, quitting smoking), go with them to appointments, listen to their fears without downplaying them, and help organize practical matters at home and at work so they can focus on their recovery.
Can I stay with my relative while they are in the hospital?
In general, yes, with some limits. Visits are more restricted in the ICU. On the ward, one companion can usually stay. The specific rules may vary, and we will let you know at each center.
What care will they need at home?
During the first weeks they will need help with everyday activities, especially tasks that involve physical effort. Make sure they take their medication, eat properly, rest and move a little every day. Watch for warning signs and go with them to their check-ups.
How to request a second opinion from Quenet-Torrent Institute
A five-step process for the multidisciplinary committee to assess your case. Assessment within 24-72 h of receiving the complete documentation.
-
1
Gather your medical records
Pathology reports on the tumor, recent imaging tests (CT, PET or MRI from the last 3 months), and your history of previous treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery). The more complete the records, the more precise the assessment.
-
2
Send the records to the team
By email to consultas@quenet-torrent.com with the subject "Second opinion: [your name]" · or by WhatsApp to +34 660 658 276. We accept PDFs, DICOM images and links to hospital portals.
-
3
You receive the multidisciplinary committee's assessment
Within 24-72 working hours of receiving the complete documentation, we email you an initial written assessment: whether your case is a candidate for surgery, which techniques we are considering and what additional information we need.
-
4
In-person consultation with the surgeon
If your case is operable and we are the right center, we schedule a consultation at Centro Médico Teknon (Barcelona) or Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón (Madrid). For international patients, we coordinate travel and accommodation.
-
5
Personalized treatment plan
The team proposes an individualized approach (surgical, oncological and supportive care), with a clear timeline and clear expectations. If we are not the best option for your case, we refer you to the most suitable reference center in Spain.
Is your question not here?
Contact us and we will answer your questions about your case.
Contact us