1. Surgical exploration
Complete evaluation of the abdominal cavity to determine the extent of disease and calculate the peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI).
Reviewed by Dr. Juan José Torrent — Updated: April 30, 2026
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.
CONTACT SPECIALISTWhat 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 effect of chemotherapeutic drugs.
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 appendiceal 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 500 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.
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.
More information
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
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★★★★★
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.
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