HIPEC
Pronunciation: HI-pek
Also written as: HIPEC — hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdominal cavity during surgery.
Full Definition
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a specialized treatment combining surgery with heated chemotherapy administered directly into the peritoneal cavity. Following cytoreductive surgery to remove visible tumor deposits, heated chemotherapy solution (typically warmed to 41-43°C) is circulated throughout the abdomen for 60-120 minutes before drainage. The hyperthermia enhances chemotherapy penetration and cytotoxicity while the direct intraperitoneal delivery achieves high local drug concentrations with reduced systemic toxicity. HIPEC is primarily used for peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal, ovarian, gastric, and appendiceal cancers, and selected cases of mesothelioma.
Usage
Usage note: HIPEC is always capitalized as an acronym. Spell out on first use in formal documents.
In Context
- "Following complete cytoreduction, HIPEC with mitomycin C was administered for 90 minutes." — Operative report
- "Patient selection criteria for HIPEC require careful evaluation of performance status and disease extent." — Clinical protocol