Surgical Oncology

Cancer surgery has advanced a lot in recent years, and today goes far beyond removing a tumour. Different cancers require different techniques, and in many cases highly specialized operations, that can give patients better chances of cure, longer survival and improved quality of life. Below you will find an overview of four advanced treatments in surgical oncology that are offered by our team: Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC, Central Mesocolic Excision (CME), Total Mesorectal Excision (TME), and Pelvic Exenteration. These procedures represent the most modern standards of care and are tailored to each patient’s unique situation.

Cytoreductive surgery with or without Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)

When cancer spreads inside the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum), it can be difficult to treat. Cytoreductive surgery with or without HIPEC is an advanced option that combines surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

What it involves

The surgeon removes all visible cancer deposits and cancer-affected organs from the abdomen. Afterwards, a heated chemotherapy solution may be circulated inside the abdominal cavity for about an hour.

Why heat helps

The warmth allows the chemotherapy to penetrate tissues more effectively. Because it is delivered directly where cancer cells are, side effects in the rest of the body are minimized.

Benefits

For carefully chosen patients, this approach offers longer survival and, in some cases, lasting remission.

What to expect

It is a major operation, often requiring a hospital stay of 1–2 weeks and a recovery period of a few weeks at home.

Patient FAQ – Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC

• Who is a candidate? Patients with certain cancers that spread in the abdomen (such as colorectal, ovarian, or peritoneal mesothelioma), but without extensive disease outside the abdomen.
• What are the risks? This is a long and complex surgery with risks of infection, bleeding, and complications from chemotherapy.
• How long is recovery? Full recovery can take 6–12 weeks, depending on the individual’s overall health.