Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: nomenclature and modalities of perfusion

Abstract

Following international consensus, HIPEC should be the acronym used in the scientific literature to refer to the hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Several modalities of perfusion are used to deliver HIPEC: open abdominal technique (Coliseum), closed abdominal technique, peritoneal cavity expander, semi-opened abdominal technique. There is no sufficient evidence in literature confirming the superiority of one technique over the others in terms of outcome, morbidity and safety to the personnel of the operating theatre. Each option has its own operational advantages and disadvantages and future prospective studies must be conducted to establish which one is the best alternative. Today, the best technique is the one which is routinely used and improved into each specialized institution involved in the management of peritoneal surface malignancy.