Why Choose Us for Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
鈥淗IPEC was a lifesaving opportunity that I was so grateful to have available. I am so grateful to my phenomenal health care team. I consider them my angels on earth.鈥
Amber Schick
Appendix Cancer Patient
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the 人妻中出视频 of Utah is a leader in the treatment of advanced cancers of the abdomen. We are one of only a few hospitals in the United States offering heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)鈥攁 cutting-edge treatment that combines surgery and heated chemotherapy. Huntsman Cancer Institute has the longest standing HIPEC program in the Mountain West. Our experienced surgeons perform more than 60 HIPEC procedures per year, and together have done more than 700 HIPEC procedures. They are recognized globally for their expertise.
We offer this innovative procedure, which only a handful of surgeons in the United States are qualified to do because it requires specialized training and equipment, to treat cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdomen.
Our Expertise
The Huntsman Cancer Institute HIPEC care team is internationally known for our surgical expertise and multidisciplinary approach in this advanced cancer treatment technique. Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists in medical oncology, surgical oncology, and supportive care to provide comprehensive treatment tailored to patients鈥 specific needs.
More than one third of patients treated with HIPEC at Huntsman Cancer Institute travel from out of state to access our exceptional care.
鈥淔or some patients, HIPEC is a source for new hope. I鈥檝e come to recognize that hope is as vital to living as oxygen.鈥
Laura Lambert, MD, HIPEC Surgeon
Read 鈥,鈥 a story about Dr. Lambert and her patient, Nate Hardy
鈥淚 really count my successes as ones where I can help that patient live a long, healthy life.鈥
Erin Ward, MD, HIPEC Surgeon
Patient Care Philosophy
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Our dedicated and world-renowned doctors, nurses, and medical staff are at the forefront of patient-centered care. We treat the whole person, not just their cancer.
Each day, our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists work together across disciplines to create and coordinate treatment plans for every patient. We understand cancer is a complex disease. That is why we use a team approach that includes social workers and support groups, as well as wellness and integrative health services such as acupuncture, massage, creative arts, and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions About HIPEC
HIPEC combines surgery and chemotherapy to treat patients in one procedure. The surgery involves an up-and-down incision in the abdomen. Surgeons first remove any tumors they can see in the patient鈥檚 abdomen, called cytoreduction. This may also involve removing organs that have cancer attached.
Even with surgery, invisible cancer cells or small tumors can remain. That鈥檚 where the heated chemotherapy comes in. After surgery while the patient is still in the operating room, chemo begins.
A special machine pumps and circulates a chemotherapy solution heated to 104 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the patient鈥檚 abdomen. The chemo touches and kills any cancer cells and tumors that are too small to see. After about 90 minutes, the chemotherapy solution is removed.
Patients who may benefit from HIPEC have late-stage cancers of organs in the abdomen such as the appendix and colon. Some patients with gynecologic cancers can also benefit from HIPEC.
HIPEC is often the main treatment for a rare condition called pseudomyxoma peritonei. HIPEC is also used to treat a disease called peritoneal mesothelioma.
Recovery time is different for each person.
After HIPEC, the patient usually stays in Huntsman Cancer Institute's intensive care unit for 1鈥2 days. Then the person moves to the regular recovery unit. Most patients are in the hospital for 7鈥10 days. A week after going home from the hospital, the care team sees the patients in the clinic for follow-up, and later as needed. Recovery at home usually takes another 10鈥12 weeks. This is about the same as for any major surgery in the abdomen.
The possible risks and side effects of HIPEC are the same as for abdomen surgery:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Need for more surgery
Chemo can also lower the number of red and white cells in the patient鈥檚 blood. The combination of surgery and chemo can also cause extreme tiredness and weight loss. Both of these usually stop 6鈥8 weeks after HIPEC.
Most people do not lose their hair with HIPEC.
Studies have shown that HIPEC is a safe procedure that works for some cancers and conditions. Depending on the cancer type, many insurance providers will cover HIPEC treatment.
Billing and financial services staff can help verify insurance coverage.
