Indigenous way of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a form of highly concentrated, heated chemotherapy that is delivered directly to the abdomen intra-operatively. Currently for peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM), either primary or secondary from gastrointestinal (GI) or gynecologic cancers, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with peri-operative HIPEC therapy is recommended. Aims & objectives: The primary objective of this case report is to show that in the current era of malignancy, resource poor centers can adopt our innovative way of HIPEC therapy and can treat peritoneal neoplasms which were considered to have only palliative treatment. Methods: After proper pre-operative work up, 61 year old lady diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon with peritoneal deposits was taken up for cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. In the absence of a proper HIPEC machine, we used the hotline fluid warmer used by Anesthesiologists to heat the chemotherapy solution which was then re-circulated manually. Results: The patient had an excellent post-operative recovery and was discharged in a hemodynamically stable condition on post-operative day (POD) 6. She has completed 18 months of follow-up and has no signs of recurrence. Conclusions: To treat cancer like peritoneal neoplasm in resource-poor centers, the hotline machine can be a good option.