Treatments

HIPEC in India

Quick answer

HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy) washes the abdomen with heated chemotherapy during surgery, after all visible tumour has been removed. It is used for selected cancers spreading on the abdominal lining, such as some ovarian, colorectal and peritoneal cancers. Hospital stays often last a week or more.

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24

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At a glance

Surgical OncologySpecialty

HIPEC is always combined with cytoreductive surgery, which removes all visible tumour from the abdominal lining and organs. The heated chemotherapy then bathes the abdomen for a set period, aiming to kill microscopic cancer cells. Heat may help chemotherapy penetrate tissue.

HIPEC is a major procedure performed in specialised peritoneal surface malignancy centres. Patient selection is crucial, and not everyone with abdominal spread benefits.

Who needs hipec

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (a rare mucus-producing tumour)
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Selected colorectal cancer spread to the abdominal lining
Selected ovarian cancer at interval surgery
Patients fit for long, extensive surgery

How it is done

General anaesthesia is given with careful monitoring.
The abdomen is opened and the extent of disease is scored.
All visible tumour is removed, which may include parts of organs and the abdominal lining.
Tubes are placed and heated chemotherapy is circulated through the abdomen.
The fluid is drained and the abdomen is washed.
Bowel joins are completed and the abdomen is closed.

Before you travel to India

CT, MRI or PET-CT scans showing abdominal disease
Tumour markers and pathology reports
Records of chemotherapy given
Heart, lung and kidney function tests
An attendant prepared for a longer stay

Recovery and flying home

Intensive care monitoring after surgery is common
Hospital stay is longer than for most abdominal operations
Plan several weeks in India for recovery and review
Nutrition support may be needed
Long-term follow-up with scans and markers

Risks

Bowel leak
Infection
Bleeding
Chemotherapy side effects such as kidney strain or low blood counts
Blood clots
Prolonged bowel recovery

Alternatives

Systemic chemotherapy alone
Cytoreductive surgery without HIPEC
PIPAC (pressurised aerosol chemotherapy) in some centres
Palliative care for symptom control

Conditions treated

Hospitals in India for hipec

How these hospitals compare

Specialists

Frequently asked questions

Is HIPEC suitable for all cancers that spread to the abdomen?

No. It benefits selected cancers and patients. Specialist teams assess disease extent and fitness.

Does HIPEC replace systemic chemotherapy?

No. It treats the abdominal lining directly. Many patients also need chemotherapy through the vein.

Why is complete tumour removal needed?

HIPEC only penetrates a short distance into tissue. It works best when no visible tumour remains. Surgery is the main part of the treatment.

How long should an international patient plan to stay?

HIPEC involves major surgery and a longer recovery. Plan for several weeks in India. Your team will give an estimate.

Will I lose my hair from HIPEC?

Hair loss is less common than with some systemic chemotherapy. Side effects depend on the drug used. Your team will explain.

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices

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