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If your physician has recommended that you undergo HIPEC surgery, you might be wondering whether this procedure can cause any side effects. Before getting into side effects, it may help to explain exactly what this type of surgery involves. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is performed along with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) to treat various cancers affecting the stomach cavity, including appendiceal cancer, colorectal cancer, mesothelioma and stomach cancer.

After any visible tumors are removed during surgery, a physician will pump a heated, highly concentrated chemotherapy solution into your stomach cavity, then let it circulate for approximately 90 minutes before washing it away and closing your surgical incisions. When compared to traditional chemotherapy, which travels throughout the bloodstream after being administered intravenously, this localized form of chemotherapy allows a higher concentration of drugs to reach any remaining cancer cells.

HIPEC surgery side effects

One of the main benefits of HIPEC is that it causes fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Because HIPEC is administered directly to the cancer site (as opposed to circulating throughout the bloodstream), it is less likely to affect healthy organs and tissues. With that said, HIPEC can still cause some side effects, including:

  • Pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Weight loss
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Depression

HIPEC surgery at Moffitt Cancer Center

The specialists in Moffitt Cancer Center’s Gastrointestinal Oncology Program are pleased to offer HIPEC surgery as an option for treating peritoneal disease. We take pride in providing individualized treatment, and we’ll let you know whether HIPEC surgery is appropriate for your specific needs.

To learn more about HIPEC surgery, call Moffitt Cancer Center at 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. We’ll be happy to schedule a consultation at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy