1. Surgical exploration
Complete evaluation of the abdominal cavity to determine the extent of disease and calculate the peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI).
Specialized Procedure
HIPEC: Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Combined treatment of cytoreductive surgery and heated intra-abdominal chemotherapy for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis with curative intent.
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EXPLANATORY VIDEO
Which cases need HIPEC?
Dr. Torrent explains in detail which patients are candidates for HIPEC treatment and how this procedure can significantly improve the prognosis in cases of peritoneal carcinomatosis.
- Specific indications for the HIPEC procedure
- Types of tumors that benefit from treatment
- Patient selection criteria
What is HIPEC?
HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is a procedure that combines cytoreductive surgery with the direct application of heated chemotherapy inside the abdominal cavity. It is used to treat tumors that have spread to the peritoneum (peritoneal carcinomatosis).
The goal is to remove all visible tumor implants through surgery and then apply heated chemotherapy to destroy residual microscopic cancer cells. Hyperthermia (heat) enhances the penetration and effect of chemotherapeutic drugs in tumor tissue.
How is the HIPEC procedure performed?
The HIPEC procedure is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia and consists of several phases:
2. Complete cytoreduction
Removal of all visible tumor implants, including peritonectomies and resection of affected organs if necessary.
3. HIPEC application
Perfusion of the abdominal cavity with chemotherapy heated to 41-43°C for 60-90 minutes, ensuring contact with all peritoneal surfaces.
4. Reconstruction
Performing intestinal anastomoses and closing the abdominal cavity after draining the chemotherapy solution.
When is HIPEC indicated?
HIPEC is especially indicated for the following tumors with peritoneal involvement:
Pseudomyxoma peritonei
Mucinous appendicular tumors with peritoneal spread. This is the indication with the best results, achieving long-term survival rates above 80%.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Primary tumor of the peritoneum where HIPEC has demonstrated significant survival benefit when complete cytoreduction is achieved.
Ovarian cancer
HIPEC has shown benefit in advanced ovarian cancer, especially in the context of interval surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Colorectal carcinomatosis
In selected cases of colorectal carcinomatosis with low tumor burden and favorable biology.
Benefits of HIPEC treatment
HIPEC offers unique advantages in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis:
Intensive local treatment
Chemotherapy is administered directly where the disease is located, reaching concentrations up to 20 times higher than systemic chemotherapy.
Lower systemic toxicity
When applied locally, systemic side effects are fewer than with conventional intravenous chemotherapy.
Synergistic effect of heat
Hyperthermia increases the penetration and effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs in tumor tissue.
Curative potential
In selected indications, HIPEC offers the possibility of cure in patients who previously only had palliative options.
Our experience in HIPEC
At Quenet-Torrent Institute we have one of the largest national and international experiences in cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. Our team has performed more than 300 HIPEC procedures with oncological results published in high-impact scientific journals.
We work in a multidisciplinary environment that includes medical oncologists, radiologists, specialized anesthesiologists, and nursing staff with specific training in this complex procedure.
Our Team
HIPEC specialists
Every physician at Quenet-Torrent Institute is a recognized expert in their field, committed to each patient's well-being.
Dr. François Quenet
Oncological Surgeon
View doctor"Internationally renowned surgeon, expert in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tumors. Recognized for his precision in highly difficult surgeries."
Dr. Juan José Torrent
Oncological Surgeon
View doctor"Specialist in gynecological tumors and peritoneal carcinomatosis. A reference in complex and personalized oncological surgery."
Pathologies treated with HIPEC
The HIPEC procedure is used in the treatment of various pathologies with peritoneal involvement.
Peritoneal carcinomatosis
Comprehensive treatment of peritoneal tumor spread from various origins.
More informationGynecological tumors
Especially indicated in advanced ovarian cancer with carcinomatosis.
More informationColorectal tumors
In selected cases of colorectal carcinomatosis with favorable disease characteristics.
More informationFrequently asked questions about HIPEC
Answers to the most common questions about the HIPEC procedure.
What is HIPEC?
HIPEC combines cytoreductive surgery with direct application of heated chemotherapy (41-43°C) inside the abdominal cavity to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis.
For which tumors is HIPEC indicated?
Pseudomyxoma peritonei, peritoneal mesothelioma, advanced ovarian cancer, and selected cases of colorectal carcinomatosis Thorough preoperative assessment is essential for correct patient selection.
What is the advantage of HIPEC over systemic chemotherapy?
HIPEC delivers chemotherapy directly where the disease is, reaching concentrations up to 20 times higher than systemic chemotherapy, with lower systemic toxicity.
How long does the HIPEC procedure take?
The complete procedure — cytoreduction plus HIPEC — typically takes 6-12 hours depending on disease extent, with the HIPEC phase lasting an additional 30 to 90 minutes.
What are the risks of HIPEC?
It is a major surgery with inherent risks, but experienced teams and international protocols significantly minimize complications. Mortality is below 1-2% in specialized.
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