Laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for appendiceal tumors

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Chemotherapy Delivery

Background:

• Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a strategy to prevent peritoneal metastases in colorectal and appendix cancers.
• Low-grade appendiceal neoplasm (LAMN) carries a risk of peritoneal recurrence.
• Laparoscopic HIPEC offers a minimally invasive approach for prophylactic treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the technical details of laparoscopic HIPEC for LAMN.
• To report postoperative outcomes in patients with LAMN at risk of peritoneal recurrence.
• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of prophylactic laparoscopic HIPEC.

Main Methods:

• Three patients with LAMN underwent laparoscopic exploration and HIPEC.
• A cytoreductive surgery was performed, followed by HIPEC with mitomycin and cisplatin.
• Perfusion catheters were inserted, and HIPEC was administered at 41.0°C for 60 minutes.

Main Results:

• The median hospital stay was 11 days.
• One patient experienced a fluid leak due to dural tear, which resolved with conservative management.
• After a median follow-up of 36 months, all patients remained asymptomatic with no recurrence.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic HIPEC for LAMN is feasible and safe.
• The approach is associated with favorable postoperative outcomes.
• Larger studies are needed to confirm the oncological value.