The field of cancer treatment has developed greatly over recent decades, presenting improved prospects to cancer patients with advanced or metastatic conditions. HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is one of such advanced treatments. This procedure involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy with heat to treat cancers that have spread to the inside of the abdominal cavity.
In India, HIPEC surgery is becoming more popular worldwide due to the presence of highly trained oncologists, modern hospitals, and reasonably low treatment fees. Cancer patients all over the world go to India in pursuit of this life-prolonging treatment.
This article discusses the HIPEC surgery cost in India, its survival rates, side effects, and the process of locating the best HIPEC surgeon in India.
What is HIPEC Surgery?
HIPEC is an acronym that means Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, which is a chemotherapy intervention applied in the situation where the cancer has spread to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).
The test is conducted in two stages:
- Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS): Abdominal tumors that can be seen are removed by surgeons.
- Heated Chemotherapy Treatment: The circulation of a heated solution of chemotherapy that is within the abdomen lasts approximately 60-90 minutes to destroy the remaining microscopic cancerous cells.
The heat makes chemotherapy medications more efficient and also allows the heat to attack the cancerous cells in the stomach itself.
- Ovarian cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Appendix cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
The chemotherapy is applied locally, and hence it generates fewer side effects in the system than normal chemotherapy.
Why India is a Leading Destination for HIPEC Surgery?
Several benefits have made India an ideal location for advanced cancer treatments.
1. Qualified Surgical Oncologists: India is a country that is proud of having many skilled specialists in the sphere of cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
2. State-of-the-art Medical Equipment: The majority of hospitals are equipped with modern oncology and multidisciplinary teams.
3. Affordable Treatment:HIPEC is not as costly in India as it is in the western world.
4. High Success Rates:Indian cancer centres use global protocols and have similar results with the international standards.
HIPEC Surgery Cost in India
The cost of the HIPEC surgery in India varies depending on various factors like the hospital, the experience of a surgeon, the type of cancer and the complexity of the treatment.
The cost will be influenced by:
- Hospital infrastructure
- Length of surgery
- ICU care and hospitalization
- Additional chemotherapy
- Diagnostic tests and follow-up treatment
Despite being a complex procedure, India offers one of the most affordable options globally.
Life Expectancy After HIPEC Surgery
The life expectancy after HIPEC surgery is determined by several factors:
- Type of cancer
- Stage of disease
- Extent of tumor removal
- Patient’s overall health
Studies indicate that HIPEC median survival may vary between 30 and 60 months in selected patients, remarkably higher than traditional treatment methods.
Examples include:
- Colorectal cancer: 3–5 years survival in selected cases
- Ovarian cancer: 3–7 years in some patients
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: up to 5 years or more
In some instances, survival rate has been reported to take over 10 years after patients with cancers associated with the appendix underwent HIPEC therapy.
Nevertheless, each patient has a varying outcome that should be assessed by an arbiter of cancer.
HIPEC Surgery Survival Rate
HIPEC surgery survival rate is affected by the type of cancer and the effectiveness with which cancer tumors are removed by the surgeons.
Studies suggest:
- When using HIPEC on patients with colorectal cancer, 5-year survival rates are 30–45%.
- Great enhancement in survival over chemotherapy.
- Less frequent occurrence of some cancers.
The studies have also shown that HIPEC could enhance the 5-year and 3-year survival rates of the selected cancer patients. The best results are usually recorded in patients who are operated on by qualified surgeons in the special centres.
HIPEC Surgery Side Effects
HIPEC surgery, as with any other significant treatment of cancer, may have certain side effects.
The HIPEC surgery side effects are:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Abdominal discomfort
- Infection risk
- Blood clots
- Kidney complications in rare cases
- Temporary digestive problems
The average hospital stay is 10-14 days following surgery, and patients may require a 2-3 month period to be fully healed.
Recovery After HIPEC Surgery
Recovery after HIPEC surgery requires careful monitoring and rehabilitation.
Typical recovery stages include:
- Hospital Stay: 7–14 days
- Initial Recovery: 4–6 weeks
- Full Recovery: Around 2–3 months, depending on the patient’s condition.
Doctors usually recommend:
- Balanced nutrition
- Regular follow-up visits
- Physical activity for recovery
- Psychological support
With proper care, many patients gradually return to normal daily activities.
Leading HIPEC Specialist – Dr. Aditi Bhatt
Among the well-known experts in the field of HIPEC treatment is surgical oncologist Dr. Aditi Bhatt, widely recognized for providing the best HIPEC cancer treatment in Ahmedabad and having vast experience in peritoneal cancer treatment.
Dr. Aditi Bhatt is a specialist in:
- Cytoreductive surgery
- Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
- Peritoneal cancer treatment
She has successfully treated patients suffering from cancers such as:
- Ovarian cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
Her treatment approach focuses on complete tumour removal, personalized treatment plans, and advanced surgical procedures that significantly enhance survival rates and improve the patient’s quality of life.
For patients seeking expert care and the best HIPEC surgery in Ahmedabad, consulting a qualified specialist like Dr. Aditi Bhatt can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
HIPEC surgery has revolutionized the treatment of certain advanced cancers. It offers patients with peritoneal metastasis a second chance at a longer and better life.
India has become a global destination for advanced HIPEC treatment due to its skilled oncologists, modern healthcare facilities, and cost-effective options. For the best outcomes, patients are advised to consult experienced specialists and choose trusted centers offering the best HIPEC cancer treatment in Ahmedabad.
