Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

HIPEC surgery is a two-step targeted chemotherapy treatment for cancers of the abdomen that have spread to the abdominal lining (peritoneum). These cancers can be difficult to treat through traditional chemotherapy.

Heated chemotherapy drugs are directed into the abdomen to remove any remaining cancer cells after surgical tumor removal. Research shows that heating the chemotherapy drugs strengthens their cancer-fighting properties, making HIPEC a more effective treatment option.

HIPEC surgery is a treatment option for adrenal, appendix, colon, liver, ovarian, pancreatic, peritoneal, rectal and stomach (gastric) cancers, mesothelioma as well as selectively for other cancer types.

Why choose Mays Cancer Center for HIPEC? 

There are multiple reasons to undergo treatment at Mays Cancer Center, including:

• Convenient location: We are one of the few health centers in San Antonio to offer HIPEC.
• Expertise: Mays Cancer Center is one of roughly 50 programs across the nation that offers regional chemotherapy. We use techniques based on research and offer clinical trials that may not be available elsewhere in the region.

HIPEC surgery: What to expect

HIPEC treatment is typically a two-step process that includes:

1. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS): A surgeon removes the visible cancerous tumors and diseased tissue from the abdomen during CRS.
2. HIPEC procedure: Then, heated chemotherapy is directed through a catheter into your abdominal cavity, spreading throughout your abdomen to target the remaining cancerous cells. The procedure may take a couple of hours. After the procedure, your surgeon will drain the chemotherapy and rinse your abdomen with a salt solution before closing the incision.