Told no further treatment is possible
You have received a peritoneal carcinomatosis diagnosis and a specialist in your country has recommended only systemic chemotherapy. You want to know whether a surgical approach is feasible.
Reviewed by Dr. François Quenet and Dr. Juan José Torrent · Updated: June 2026
International patients
HIPEC second opinion in Spain for international patients
Your case reviewed by Dr. Quenet and the multidisciplinary committee in 48 hours. The team has performed more than 3,000 HIPEC procedures. We coordinate the process from your first message to discharge.
The team in numbers
3,000+
HIPEC procedures performed
48 h
Response time for international cases
30+
Years of combined experience in surgical oncology
MSK
Collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York
Does this describe your situation?
Cases we typically see from international patients
Looking for a HIPEC-specific second opinion
You or your oncologist have read about HIPEC and want an independent assessment from a team that performs it at high volume, not occasionally.
Complex case requiring a high-volume centre
Tumour burden, previous surgery or location make your case technically demanding. You need a team that handles these situations routinely.
Seeking treatment outside your home country
Whether because of waiting times, the cost of private healthcare or access to specific techniques, you are actively evaluating Spain as a destination for your surgery.
Progression after previous treatment
You have already received chemotherapy or prior surgery and your disease has progressed. You want to explore whether cytoreduction and HIPEC are still viable options.
Rare peritoneal tumour
Pseudomyxoma peritonei, peritoneal mesothelioma and appendiceal tumours are rare, and should be treated by a team with experience in them.
Other areas we treat for international patients
Peritoneal cytoreduction in Spain
Complete cytoreductive surgery (CC-0/CC-1) for peritoneal carcinomatosis, with remote PCI assessment beforehand.
Liver metastases surgery
Liver resections and two-stage strategies for metastases of colorectal and other primary origins.
Robotic colorectal surgery
Robotic approach to rectal and colon cancer, with less surgical trauma and faster recovery.
How we approach peritoneal disease and HIPEC
Peritoneal carcinomatosis is no longer a uniformly terminal diagnosis. In correctly selected patients, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with HIPEC offers the possibility of long-term disease control or cure. That is why we assess each case in detail before proposing a plan.
Peritoneal Cancer Index assessment
We calculate the PCI from your imaging and surgical reports to determine resectability before you travel. Cases with high tumour burden receive a clear, detailed explanation of what surgery can and cannot achieve.
Complete cytoreduction as the goal
A CC-0 or CC-1 resection (no macroscopic residual disease) is the only cytoreduction associated with improved long-term outcomes. We do not proceed if complete cytoreduction cannot be achieved.
Bidirectional chemotherapy protocols
When indicated, we combine intraperitoneal HIPEC with systemic perioperative chemotherapy, following evidence-based protocols adapted to the primary tumour type.
Multidisciplinary validation before surgery
Every international case is formally reviewed in our tumour board, integrating surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiology, and anaesthesia before a treatment plan is proposed.
Surgical team for HIPEC
The specialists who will review your case
Dr. François Quenet
Surgical oncologist, HIPEC specialist
View profileMore than 30 years of experience in high-complexity gastrointestinal and peritoneal cancer surgery. Led the PRODIGE 7 trial on HIPEC in colorectal carcinomatosis.
Dr. Juan José Torrent
Surgical oncologist
View profileSpecialist in peritoneal surface oncology, hepatobiliary surgery and complex oncological resections. Extensive experience coordinating multidisciplinary care for patients coming from outside Spain.
Dr. Clara Montagut
Medical oncologist
View teamMedical oncologist specialising in gastrointestinal tumours and peritoneal disease. Responsible for perioperative systemic chemotherapy protocols and long-term oncological follow-up after surgery.
How it works
Patient journey for international patients
From your first message to the day you leave the hospital, we handle the complexity so you can focus on your health.
01
Send your reports and images securely
Share your medical reports, surgical reports, pathology results and imaging (CT, MRI, PET) through our encrypted system or by email. There is no need to travel at this stage.
02
The multidisciplinary committee reviews your case in 48 h
Your case is formally presented to our tumour board, which includes the HIPEC surgeon, the medical oncologist and the radiologist. You receive a written summary with our assessment and a proposed plan.
03
Video consultation with the surgeon
You speak directly with the surgeon by video call. We explain the options, the risks and the expected recovery, and answer all your questions. Consultations are available in Spanish, English, French and Italian.
04
We coordinate travel, accommodation and the pre-operative work-up
Once you decide to go ahead, our international patient coordinator handles the logistics: pre-operative tests that can be done in your country, flight dates, accommodation recommendations near the hospital and transfers.
05
You arrive only when surgery is scheduled
Usually 1 to 3 weeks before the planned date of surgery, for the final pre-operative assessment. Your companion is welcome throughout the stay. Individual private suites available at both hospitals.
Why come to Spain for HIPEC surgery?
These are the reasons patients from Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and other regions come to us for surgery.
A team experienced in HIPEC
HIPEC is a demanding procedure with a steep learning curve. Outcomes correlate closely with the centre's volume. Our team has performed more than 3,000 procedures.
Communication in Spanish throughout
For a patient from Latin America, the whole process takes place in their own language: the case assessment, the video consultation with the surgeon and the travel coordination are all carried out in Spanish, with one named contact person.
Short waiting times
For cases where surgery is indicated, we can typically schedule the procedure within 3 to 6 weeks of the decision to proceed, depending on pre-operative preparation needs.
Multilingual team and support
Consultations available in Spanish, English, French and Italian. Our international patient coordinator supports you through every administrative step.
Two hospitals, in Barcelona and Madrid
We operate at Centro Médico Teknon in Barcelona and at Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón in Madrid (25-30 km from Madrid-Barajas airport, with its own car park, robotic operating theatres and individual private suites, 4.9/5 from more than 51 Google reviews).
Transparent communication throughout
We do not promise what we cannot deliver. If your case is not suitable for HIPEC, we will tell you clearly and, if possible, suggest alternatives.
Patient stories
See on Google
What patients say about their experience
K
5 months ago
5/5
In the public health system they gave my father a year to live at most. They only gave him chemo treatment and no hope, they said it was impossible, that nothing could be done for him. He had several tumours inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clear, completely cured. The last PET (imaging test) came back clear. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
F
6 years ago
5/5
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. When I sent my diagnosis to every centre, practically all of them agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time, because I had a very aggressive type of cells. Until we came to Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV says: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life, because during the operation the harmful cells that everyone had diagnosed, and for which nobody would operate on me, were not there. This operation has become the best investment of my life.
L
4 weeks ago
5/5
Wonderful surgical team, among the best there is. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, quick and efficient. The personal care is great and so are the results. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
P
2 years ago
5/5
I am a 63-year-old patient. They found adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I looked for a second opinion and was told about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. From the very first moment, Dr. Torrent told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumour mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
Frequently asked questions from international patients
Who is on the HIPEC surgical team?
The HIPEC programme is led by Dr. François Quenet and Dr. Juan José Torrent. The team also includes Dr. Clara Montagut in medical oncology, and Prof. Luis González Bayón and Prof. Fabrizio Panaro for complex cases. Every case goes through the full committee.
How long do you take to reply after I send my documents?
For international second opinions, we aim to reply within 48 working hours of receiving the complete documentation. You will receive a written summary of the committee's assessment and a direct contact from our international patient coordinator to discuss the next steps.
Do you help international patients with logistics?
Yes. The international patient coordinator plans the pre-operative tests to reduce the number of trips. She also takes care of travel dates, accommodation near both hospitals and transfers. The aim is to keep the visits needed before surgery is scheduled to a minimum.
In which languages can consultations be held?
Spanish, English, French and Italian.
Roughly how much does the surgery cost?
The cost depends on the complexity of the procedure, the length of the hospital stay and specific requirements. We give you a detailed written quote after the initial assessment, once your case has been reviewed and the surgical plan defined. The initial second opinion review is free of charge.
How long is the hospital stay after HIPEC?
Most patients stay in hospital for 7 to 14 days after cytoreduction with HIPEC. The time depends on the extent of surgery and on individual recovery, and includes one or two days in a monitored unit. The return home is planned according to clinical progress, not a fixed calendar.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Both Teknon in Barcelona and Memorial Publio Cordón in Madrid offer individual private suites where a companion can stay with the patient. We particularly recommend that family members come with international patients, who are far from their support network.
What do I need to send for the initial assessment?
The report and images of your most recent CT or PET-CT, and the pathology report with the tumour histology. Add the surgical reports from previous operations and the summary of your current cancer treatment. If you only have part of this, send what you have: we will tell you what is missing to give a reliable assessment.
Ready to request your HIPEC second opinion?
Send your reports today. The team will review your case in 48 hours and give you a clear answer.
Where to treat HIPEC and peritoneal cytoreduction?
We operate in two private hospitals in Spain. The same medical team treats you in Madrid and in Barcelona, with the same surgical and oncological protocols.
Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology.
View Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Private hospital in Barcelona where the team performs high-complexity surgical oncology.
View Centro Médico TeknonRelated articles
Side effects of HIPEC: what to expect and how to manage them
HIPEC is a treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis. Learn about its side effects, how to prevent them and what to expect during recovery.
Prognosis and life expectancy in peritoneal carcinomatosis: which factors matter
Prognosis in peritoneal carcinomatosis does not depend on a single figure. Tumour type, extent, cytoreductive surgery and the patient's condition determine the course of the disease.
Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI): what it is and how it is used
Clinical guide to the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI): what it measures, how it is calculated, how it is applied in treatment decisions and its relationship with cytoreductive surgery.
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