Laparoscopic HIPEC: A bridge between open and closed-techniques

What is it about?

This is about a novel technique to deliver Hyperthermic IntraPEritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) after cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal carcinomatosis. This technique is alternative to the two most used techniques (the open "Coliseum"- and the closed-technique). It is performed in a closed-abdomen fashion, using laparoscopy to stir the abdominal contents and to perform adhesiolysis.

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Why is it important?

This technique warrants uniform distribution of the perfusion fluid (as the open-technique) reducing heat loss by the open abdomen. There is less need to increase the temperature of the inflowing fluid to reach the target temperature, thus preventing scald injuries to the bowel. You can also prevent or divide adhesions, which often occur after closure of the abdomen and interfere with the uniform distribution of the perfusion fluid (this is the most important weakness of the closed-technique).

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