Technology for the delivery of hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a survey of techniques

Peritoneal metastases are common sequelae of gastrointestinal malignancy. The treatment of peritoneal metastases through use of aggressive surgical cytoreduction including peritonectomy coupled with HIPEC has now been reported in several large single-institution series. The available literature suggests that in experienced hands and with appropriate patient selection cytoreduction and HIPEC can be an effective therapy, particularly when all macroscopic tumor deposits are removed. Different techniques involving the administration of intraperitoneal chemotherapy have been reported, including the closed intraoperative technique, the open or coliseum technique, and the open technique using a PCE device. All techniques have been associated with mortality and morbidity that is significant, but generally consistent with other major surgical procedures. In theory, the coliseum and PCE techniques may have less associated morbidity because of improved heat distribution; however, this remains to be definitively proven in a controlled clinical trial. Such controlled studies are critical to defining the best techniques for HIPEC administration and the appropriate role for this treatment regimen in patients with peritoneal metastases. The development of a program in cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC requires a comprehensive patient care team led by appropriately trained surgeons. Such teams are best suited to provide the highest-quality care to patients with peritoneal surface malignancy.