Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) Cost in India

What Is the HIPEC Procedure and How Does It Work?

HIPEC stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. It is a two-step cancer treatment that combines surgery and heated chemotherapy to treat cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

Here’s how it works:

1. Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) is first performed to remove visible tumors.

2. Immediately after, heated chemotherapy (at about 41–43°C) is circulated within the abdominal cavity for 60–90 minutes.

The heat enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy and allows for direct targeting of cancer cells, reducing side effects compared to intravenous chemotherapy. HIPEC is a one-time, localized treatment and is highly effective in improving survival rates in select cancer cases.

Which Types of Cancer Can Be Treated with HIPEC?

HIPEC is used to treat abdominal cancers that have spread to the peritoneum. It is particularly beneficial in cases where conventional chemotherapy has limited success due to poor blood supply to the peritoneum.

Cancers Treated with HIPEC Include:

· Peritoneal carcinomatosis

· Colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis

· Ovarian cancer

· Appendiceal cancer (e.g., pseudomyxoma peritonei)

· Gastric cancer with peritoneal spread

· Mesothelioma (peritoneal type)

HIPEC may be used in both curative and palliative settings, depending on the extent of disease and patient health. Patient selection is crucial for HIPEC to be effective.

What Are the Benefits of HIPEC Over Traditional Chemotherapy?

Compared to traditional IV chemotherapy, HIPEC offers several clinical and quality-of-life advantages:

Key Benefits:

· Targeted Drug Delivery: HIPEC directly reaches cancer cells in the abdominal cavity, bypassing systemic circulation.

· Fewer Side Effects: As chemo is not absorbed into the whole bloodstream, side effects like hair loss or bone marrow suppression are reduced.

· Higher Drug Concentration: The chemo dose is higher and more potent locally.

· Heat-Enhanced Effectiveness: The heated solution improves chemotherapy absorption and kills cancer cells more effectively.

· Single-Session Treatment: HIPEC is done once, unlike multiple cycles of systemic chemotherapy.

Patients benefit from improved survival, delayed recurrence, and a better quality of life, especially when the cancer is confined to the peritoneum.

How Is the HIPEC Procedure Performed in India?

In India, HIPEC is performed at tertiary care oncology centers using globally approved protocols. The procedure is conducted in two key stages:

Stage 1: Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS)

· A specialized surgical oncologist removes visible cancerous tissue from the abdomen.

· The aim is to leave no visible tumors behind, which improves HIPEC’s success.

Stage 2: Hyperthermic Chemotherapy

· After surgery, a sterile solution of heated chemotherapy is infused into the abdominal cavity.

· The solution is circulated using a HIPEC perfusion machine for 60–90 minutes.

· The solution is then drained, and the surgical site is closed.

The entire process can take 6–10 hours, depending on the complexity. The patient is then moved to a high-dependency unit or ICU for 1–2 days, followed by regular ward recovery.

What Is the Complete Treatment Protocol for HIPEC in India?

India follows standardized treatment protocols based on international oncology guidelines for HIPEC. Here’s a typical HIPEC treatment journey:

Pre-Procedure Evaluation:

· Medical and surgical oncology assessment

· Imaging (CT, MRI, PET-CT) to evaluate disease extent

· Blood tests and tumor marker analysis

Surgery + HIPEC:

· Admission and pre-operative preparation

· Cytoreductive surgery (CRS)

· Heated chemotherapy administration (HIPEC)

· Post-op ICU care for monitoring

Recovery & Monitoring:

· Hospital stay: 7–12 days

· Pain management, wound care, and early mobility

· Post-discharge follow-up after 2–3 weeks

Optional Additional Therapies:

· Some patients may need systemic chemotherapy after HIPEC based on pathology reports.

· Nutritional and physiotherapy support is provided during recovery.

The procedure requires specialized surgical skills, anesthesia support, and multidisciplinary expertise, all of which are available in India at a fraction of global costs.

HIPEC Procedure Cost in India for International Patients

What Medical Equipment and Devices Are Used During HIPEC?

The HIPEC procedure requires highly specialized equipment that ensures accurate drug delivery, temperature regulation, and safe circulation of chemotherapy agents.

Key Devices and Equipment Include:

· HIPEC Perfusion Machine: A closed-loop device that heats the chemotherapy solution to 41–43°C and circulates it within the abdominal cavity. It controls temperature, pressure, and flow.

· Surgical Tools: Electrocautery, resection tools, retractors, suction-irrigation systems used during cytoreductive surgery.

· Temperature Monitoring Probes: To monitor internal temperature in real time during chemo circulation.

· Catheters & Tubing Systems: For inflow and outflow of chemo drugs.

· Infusion Pumps: To regulate the speed of drug delivery.

· Sterile Closed-Loop Systems: To prevent chemo spillage and protect operating room staff.

All major Indian oncology hospitals use FDA or CE-approved HIPEC systems, often sourced from Europe or the US, ensuring international treatment standards and safety.

What Is the Cost of the HIPEC Procedure in India?

India offers HIPEC treatment at a significantly reduced cost compared to western countries, while maintaining high medical standards. The total cost includes consultation, surgery, drug costs, ICU care, and post-op recovery.

Approximate Cost Breakdown (in USD):

Note: Targeted drugs, extended ICU stay, or complex tumors may increase cost slightly.

Why Should International Patients Choose India for HIPEC?

India has emerged as a global hub for complex cancer procedures like HIPEC due to its medical expertise, affordability, and international patient care systems.

Key Advantages for International Patients:

· Globally aligned treatment protocols

· High success rates in peritoneal cancers with HIPEC

· No waiting lists — get admitted and operated quickly

· All-inclusive cost packages

· English-speaking staff and multilingual assistance

· Top-notch surgical and oncological care

· JCI and NABH-accredited facilities

In addition, international patients benefit from personalized care coordinators, nutritional counselling, and rehabilitation planning—all at a fraction of the cost elsewhere.

Why Choose Healzone for HIPEC Treatment and Medical Tourism Support?

Healzone is a leading medical tourism platform that offers end-to-end facilitation for international patients seeking HIPEC in India. The company ensures seamless care coordination, from arrival to recovery.

Why Healzone Stands Out:

· Free pre-arrival consultation with top cancer surgeons

· Visa invitation letter & embassy support

· Airport pickup & ground transport

· No waiting list for diagnostics or surgery

· Dedicated interpreter & multilingual care team

· Guidance on accommodation & food

· Post-discharge support & video follow-ups

Healzone also ensures transparent cost estimates, with no hidden charges, giving patients and families full clarity before arriving. They help simplify the process for even the most complex medical procedures like HIPEC.

What Is the Recovery Time After HIPEC Surgery?

The recovery timeline after HIPEC varies based on the patient’s condition, cancer type, and extent of surgery. In most cases, recovery is gradual and takes several weeks, requiring both hospital-based and home-based care.

Typical Recovery Timeline:

· ICU Stay: 1–2 days after surgery for monitoring vital signs and managing post-op pain.

· Hospital Stay: 7–12 days total, including time in the ward for wound care, early mobilization, and nutrition support.

· Initial Recovery at Home: 3–4 weeks of restricted activity, light diet, and rest.

· Full Recovery: Most patients resume normal life within 6–8 weeks, depending on the body's response.

Post-HIPEC Care Includes:

· Nutritional support (especially high-protein diet)

· Pain medication and anti-nausea drugs

· Regular wound checks

· Hydration and electrolyte balance

· Physical rehabilitation (if required)

Patients should attend follow-up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months, with periodic imaging and tumor marker tests to monitor for recurrence.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of the HIPEC Procedure?

HIPEC is a major surgical intervention and, like all complex surgeries, carries potential risks. However, in experienced hands, the complication rates are low, and most patients recover well with proper monitoring.

Possible Risks and Side Effects:

· Infection at the surgical site or internally

· Bowel obstruction or leakage

· Bleeding

· Kidney or liver dysfunction (rare)

· Chemo-related nausea, vomiting, or fatigue

· Delayed return of bowel function

Proper pre-operative assessment, intraoperative care, and ICU monitoring in Indian cancer centers minimize these risks significantly. Patients are closely monitored for 24–48 hours post-op for any early signs of complications.

What Are the Success Rates and Long-Term Outcomes of HIPEC in India?

The success of HIPEC largely depends on the cancer type, stage, completeness of tumor removal, and patient health. Indian hospitals follow international protocols, offering comparable or better outcomes than Western nations.

Key Success Metrics:

· Colorectal Peritoneal Metastasis: 5-year survival of 30–40%

· Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP): 5-year survival up to 70–80%

· Ovarian Cancer with Peritoneal Spread: Improved progression-free survival and quality of life

In India, skilled surgical oncologists ensure complete cytoreduction (CC-0/CC-1), which is a major determinant of survival post-HIPEC. Patients also benefit from multidisciplinary support, which contributes to excellent long-term outcomes.

Is HIPEC Suitable for All Patients with Abdominal Cancers?

No. HIPEC is not suitable for all patients. A thorough pre-operative evaluation is done to determine eligibility based on cancer type, disease spread, and overall health.

Suitable Candidates:

· Patients with localized peritoneal metastasis

· Good general health (fit for major surgery)

· Tumors that can be surgically removed completely

· No significant disease in other vital organs (like liver or lungs)

Not Suitable For:

· Patients with widespread metastatic disease

· Severe comorbidities (cardiac, renal failure, etc.)

· Poor performance status (bedridden or unable to tolerate surgery)

Indian specialists perform detailed evaluations (including imaging and fitness tests) to determine HIPEC suitability and improve patient outcomes.

How Can International Patients Plan Their HIPEC Treatment in India Through Healzone?

Healzone simplifies the entire treatment journey—from the first contact to post-treatment follow-up—ensuring international patients can access world-class HIPEC care in India effortlessly.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Initial Inquiry: Share your reports via email or WhatsApp for free review.

2. Medical Opinion: Get a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate within 24–48 hours.

3. Visa & Travel Help: Healzone provides a medical visa invitation letter and guidance.

4. Arrival & Pickup: Coordinators receive you at the airport and handle hospital admission.

5. Diagnosis & Treatment: Fast-tracked investigations and surgery without waiting.

6. Post-Treatment Stay: Help with recovery accommodations and dietary support.

7. Virtual Follow-ups: Continue consultations online after returning to your home country.

Healzone provides transparent pricing, multilingual support, and patient-first service, making it the ideal choice for HIPEC treatment in India.