Which cancers can be treated with CRS and HIPEC?

What is CRS and HIPEC treatment?

• A special treatment for cancers that have spread inside the abdomen
• CRS surgery removes visible tumourss from the abdomen
• HIPEC uses heated chemotherapy inside the abdomen after surgery
• Helps kill cancer cells that may be too small to see
• Aims to improve survival and quality of life

What does CRS mean?

• CRS stands for Cytoreductive Surgery
• Also called tumour debulking surgery
• Surgeons remove as much visible cancer as possible
• Sometimes nearby affected organs may also need removal

What does HIPEC mean?

• HIPEC stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
• Heated chemotherapy is circulated directly inside the abdomen
• Given during surgery as a one-time treatment
• Helps target remaining microscopic cancer cells

Which cancers can be treated with CRS and HIPEC?

• Colorectal cancer
• Appendix cancer
• Stomach (gastric) cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Peritoneal cancer
• Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP)

Why is the chemotherapy heated?

• Heat makes chemotherapy work better
• Helps the medicine reach tissues more deeply
• Improves the ability to destroy cancer cells
• Targets cancer cells more effectively than surgery alone

How is HIPEC different from regular chemotherapy?

• HIPEC is given directly into the abdomen
• Regular chemotherapy is usually given through a vein or by mouth
• HIPEC allows higher drug concentration in the abdomen
• Causes fewer whole-body side effects in many patients

How long does the surgery take?

• CRS and HIPEC surgery usually take 6–8 hours
• Complex cases may take longer
• You remain under general anaesthesia during the procedure

What happens during CRS surgery?

• Surgeons remove visible tumours from the abdomen
• They carefully check different abdominal areas
• Affected tissues or organs may be removed if needed
• The goal is to leave as little cancer behind as possible

What happens during HIPEC treatment?

• Heated chemotherapy is circulated inside the abdomen
• The solution is warmed to about 42°C (108°F)
• The chemotherapy stays in the abdomen for about 90 minutes
• The abdomen is then washed with sterile fluid

Will I be asleep during the procedure?

• Yes, the surgery is done under general anaesthesia
• You will not feel pain during the operation

How invasive is the surgery?

• CRS and HIPEC is usually done through a large open incision
• The cut may extend from the chest area to the lower abdomen
• It is considered a major surgery

How long will I stay in the hospital?

• Most patients stay in the hospital for 7–14 days
• Some may go home around day 8 or 9
• Recovery depends on the extent of surgery and healing

What side effects may happen after surgery?

• Fatigue and weakness
• Pain and soreness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Temporary hair loss
• Slow bowel movements
• Changes in blood counts

What are the risks of CRS and HIPEC?

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Effects related to anaesthesia
• Delayed healing
• Longer hospital stays if complications occur

What are the benefits of CRS and HIPEC?

• May improve survival in selected patients
• Can improve quality of life
• Helps reduce fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
• May help prevent bowel blockage
• Fewer side effects compared to some standard chemotherapy treatments
• Offers hope for long-term disease control in some patients

Will I still need regular chemotherapy?

• Some patients may still need IV chemotherapy
• Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery
• Treatment plans are decided individually

How long does recovery take?

• Recovery continues for several weeks after discharge
• Most patients start feeling closer to normal in 2–3 months
• Daily activity and rest both help recovery

Can CRS and HIPEC cure cancer?

• In some patients, it may provide long-term control or cure
• Results depend on cancer type and disease extent
• Early treatment and proper patient selection are important

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