Ninewells Hospital is currently the only centre in Scotland who offers patients this specialist cancer treatment. The treatment is performed by our specialist surgeon Mr Francesco Polignano.
Surgery with HIPEC (Heated Intra-operative, Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is a specialist treatment for some patients who are diagnosed with cancers of the bowel and appendix which has spread to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). This is called peritoneal carcinomatosis. The cancer may have also spread to other organs within the abdomen. The treatment involves extensive surgery with chemotherapy given into the abdomen at the time of the operation. When the surgeon has removed all visible signs of cancer in the operating theatre, tubes are placed into the abdomen. A specialist pump is used to heat and circulate chemotherapy around the abdomen attacking any remaining tiny cancer cells which cannot be seen by the naked eye. After 45 minutes the chemotherapy is washed out and the abdomen is closed before the patient leaves theatre. This is a long operation which can take several hours. Unfortunately this type of treatment is not suitable for everyone and requires a detailed, specialist assessment by the surgeon and his team.
If this treatment is thought a suitable option the patient will be referred directly to the specialist surgeon who will have a detailed discussion with the patient and their family to highlight the risks and benefits of this treatment. Patients are supported through this treatment by a team of Colorectal Nurse Specialists who are able to provide specialist information and support before, during and after treatment. The Specialist Nurses offer additional support to ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate support services to enable them to prepare, undertake and recover from this treatment.