Cancer is scary for anyone facing the disease. When cancer has spread or is especially difficult to treat many patients and loved ones struggle for hope. That’s why physicians in the Sentara Cancer Network are excited to offer a treatment called HIPEC, which stands for heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

In simple terms, HIPEC is a specialized procedure for cancers that have spread throughout the abdomen. Once tumors are surgically removed, the abdomen cavity is washed in a heated chemotherapy solution. This is meant to treat any cells that have potentially been left behind after surgery.

HIPEC surgery can be used for patients with cancers that either start or spread to the abdomen, including appendiceal, colorectal, lung and ovarian cancers. In Hampton Roads, Virginia, HIPEC is only available through the Sentara Cancer Network at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Sentara CarePlex Hospital. Patients who are candidates for this treatment procedure are typically in the hospital for 7-14 days, and full recovery can take an additional 2-4 weeks.

Sentara has been working in partnership with physicians from Eastern Virginia Medical School to bring this procedure to Hampton Roads and refine the procedure for cancer patients already.

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