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Length of Cytoreduction with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) Procedure

Posted on: October 13, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

Cytoreduction with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an intricate procedure for treating peritoneal carcinomatosis, which is a spread of cancer within the abdominal cavity.

The length of the procedure depends on various factors:

  1. Extent of Disease: The more widespread the disease, the longer it takes for the surgeon to ensure complete removal of all visible tumors from the peritoneal cavity. In some cases, multiple organs might be involved, which can further extend the surgery time.
  2. Cytoreduction Process: This is the surgical part where the surgeon attempts to remove all visible tumor masses. This process is detailed and demands a thorough examination of the entire abdominal cavity. Depending on the extent of the disease and the organs involved, this process can be time-consuming. This part of the surgery can last several hours.
  3. HIPEC Process: After the cytoreduction is complete, the HIPEC procedure is carried out. This involves circulating heated chemotherapy drugs within the abdominal cavity. This part is relatively fixed in duration, usually between 60 to 90 minutes, but preparation, administration, and monitoring can add additional time to this phase.

The sum of these phases can result in a total procedure time ranging from 6 to 14 hours, or even longer in exceptionally complex cases.

It’s essential to understand that the length of the procedure may vary widely depending on the patient’s individual circumstances. The surgical team’s expertise and experience also play a vital role in the procedure’s duration and outcome. Recovery time can also vary based on the patient’s health and the procedure’s complexity.