Cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy — a specialised treatment for selected cancers that have spread within the abdominal lining.
CRS + HIPEC is considered for selected cancers that have spread to the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen).
First, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) removes visible tumour deposits. Then heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) is circulated within the abdomen during the same operation to target microscopic disease left behind.
It is a major, specialised procedure suitable only for carefully selected patients after thorough evaluation and multidisciplinary discussion.
Potential benefits
Addresses both visible and microscopic peritoneal disease in one operation
An option for selected cases previously considered untreatable surgically
Delivered by an experienced, coordinated team
Important to know
Only appropriate for carefully selected patients
A major procedure with a considered recovery pathway
Requires detailed staging and multidisciplinary planning
Understand it step by step
The CRS + HIPEC pathway
01
Diagnosis
Confirming the cancer and where it has spread.
02
Evaluation
Detailed staging and assessment of whether CRS + HIPEC is appropriate.
03
Cytoreductive surgery
Removing visible tumour deposits from the abdomen.
04
HIPEC
Circulating heated chemotherapy within the abdomen during the same operation.
05
Recovery
A monitored, supported recovery pathway in hospital.
06
Follow-up
Structured follow-up and ongoing coordination of care.
Frequently asked
Questions patients ask
HIPEC stands for Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy — heated chemotherapy circulated inside the abdomen during surgery to target microscopic cancer cells that surgery alone cannot remove.
It is considered for selected patients whose cancer has spread to the peritoneal lining. Suitability is decided only after detailed evaluation — it is not right for everyone.
Where it applies
This approach may be considered for cancers such as these — always after individual evaluation.
