HIPEC
Pronunciation: HIGH-pek
Also written as: HIPEC — Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy delivered during surgery for peritoneal malignancies.
Full Definition
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a specialized surgical technique combining cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy perfusion of the peritoneal cavity. The procedure involves surgical removal of all visible tumor deposits followed by circulation of heated chemotherapy agents (typically 41-43°C) throughout the abdomen for 60-120 minutes. Heat enhances chemotherapy penetration and cytotoxicity while the direct intraperitoneal delivery achieves high local drug concentrations with minimal systemic absorption. HIPEC is primarily used for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal, ovarian, or primary peritoneal malignancies.
In Context
- "The patient underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by HIPEC with mitomycin C." — Operative report
- "HIPEC was completed with good perfusion of all peritoneal surfaces." — Intraoperative note