[Peritoneal carcinomatosis. Surgical treatment, including hyperthermal intraperitoneal chemotherapy]

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant disease with increasing incidence and a significant cause of death in cancer patients. More than 10% of patients with colorectal cancer show peritoneal carcinomatosis at initial diagnosis. Moreover, peritoneal metastasis is a common sign of recurrence. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are a new treatment strategy for highly selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Numerous studies show prolonged survival after CRS and HIPEC with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Accurate preoperative diagnostics and patient selection play a pivotal role in postoperative patient outcome. This promising treatment strategy is discussed regarding surgical technique, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and patient outcome.