Surgical Oncologists and Gynecological Oncologists specialize in treating cancer patients, performing more complex, and less common procedures. Cytoreductive Surgery is aggressive removal of all visible tumors on peritoneal surfaces that requires expertise. Surgical Oncologists go through a rigorous and lengthy training period, among the longest in surgery, including a two-year Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program of which there are 19 Surgical Oncology Fellowship Programs in the United States. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2014 there were only 760 Surgical Oncologists in the United States.

Gynecological Oncologists also go through extensive training and specialize in treating gynecological cancers including ovarian cancer. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2014 there were 921 Gynecological Oncologists in the United States.

Because cytoreductive surgery + HIPEC are major procedures that are not without risk, this procedure is only for candidate patients. Things which are considered are overall patient health as well as the size of the tumors and can a complete cytoreduction be achievable. A surgical oncologist or gynecological oncologist that specializes in cytoreductive surgery+ HIPEC can help determine if this treatment option is right for you.