Cytoreductive surgery combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an advanced treatment option for select patients with advanced or recurrent ovarian and other gynecologic cancers that have spread within the abdominal cavity. Dr. Shiva Gautam, Consultant Gynecological Oncologist at Fortis Hospital Noida, has focused experience performing this complex, combined procedure, which surgically removes visible tumor and then delivers heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen to target remaining microscopic disease. This specialized, multidisciplinary approach is reserved for carefully selected patients and requires thorough pre-treatment evaluation and coordinated perioperative care.
Consultation & Diagnosis
Detailed evaluation and imaging help confirm an accurate, timely diagnosis.
Personalized Treatment Plan
A tailored surgical and medical plan is created for you.
Surgery & Treatment
Surgical management according to the cancer type incorporating minimally invasive approach where indicated.
Recovery & Follow-Up
Ongoing monitoring ensures smooth recovery and long-term, cancer-free well-being.
For patients with advanced or recurrent gynecologic cancers — most commonly ovarian cancer — that have spread across the surfaces of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal carcinomatosis), standard surgery and chemotherapy alone may not be enough. Cytoreductive surgery combined with HIPEC is a specialized, intensive treatment option designed for exactly this situation.
What Cytoreductive Surgery Involves
This extensive operation aims to surgically remove all or as much visible tumor as safely possible from the abdominal and pelvic cavity. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, this may involve removing portions of the peritoneum, affected segments of bowel, and other involved tissue. The goal is to leave no visible tumor behind, since the extent of surgical removal is one of the strongest predictors of outcome.
How HIPEC Works
Immediately after cytoreductive surgery, while the abdomen is still open, heated chemotherapy is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity for a set period. The heat enhances the chemotherapy's ability to penetrate and destroy microscopic cancer cells that surgery alone cannot remove, while limiting whole-body side effects.
Who Is a Candidate
Candidacy depends on factors such as overall health, extent and location of disease spread, response to prior chemotherapy, and the likelihood of achieving complete or near-complete tumor removal. Dr. Gautam conducts a thorough evaluation, including imaging and tumor board discussion, before recommending this intensive treatment path.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After
Preparation involves detailed imaging, blood tests, and optimizing overall health. The procedure typically takes several hours. Recovery is closely monitored in a hospital setting, often including a period of intensive post-operative care, given the scale of the surgery.
Coordinated, Specialized Care
Because this is a resource-intensive, technically demanding procedure, it requires close coordination between the surgical team, anesthesiology, critical care, and nursing staff experienced in managing heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Benefits and Realistic Expectations
For appropriately selected patients, this combination has been associated with improved disease control and, in some cases, meaningfully extended periods without disease progression. Dr. Gautam ensures patients and families have realistic expectations about the procedure's intensity and recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Shiva Gautam
Few gynecologic oncologists offer hands-on experience with this technically demanding combination. Dr. Gautam's focused training allows her to guide eligible patients through this intensive treatment with careful patient selection and technical precision. If you have advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer and want to know whether this could be an option, her team at Fortis Hospital Noida welcomes your consultation.