Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a specialized treatment approach used in the management of certain abdominal cancers. Health Line states that the patient need not typically have more chemotherapy after HIPEC.
Platforms like Medditour connect the patients seeking HIPEC treatments with the international hospitals and facilitators for cost-effective treatments.
This article aims to explore the significance of HIPEC, its process, and the potential for medical tourism in Thailand, Malaysia, and India to facilitate access to this innovative procedure.
Significance of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
HIPEC is a unique form of chemotherapy that delivers heated chemotherapy drugs directly into the peritoneal cavity. It is primarily used to treat peritoneal surface malignancies, which are cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdomen from primary tumors in organs such as the appendix, colon, or ovaries. By delivering chemotherapy drugs at elevated temperatures, HIPEC helps to maximize the drugs’ effectiveness and improve tumor control.
The HIPEC Process
The HIPEC procedure involves several steps. First, the surgeon performs cytoreductive surgery, which aims to remove visible tumors from the peritoneal cavity. Once the tumor is debulked, the abdominal cavity is carefully rinsed with a heated chemotherapy solution.
The solution is circulated for a predetermined period, typically 90 minutes, during which it bathes the organs and tissues, targeting any remaining cancer cells. The high temperature helps to enhance drug penetration and disrupt cancer cells more effectively. After completion, the solution is drained, and the incisions are closed. Penn Medicine states that after HIPEC, patients generally stay in the hospital for seven to 10 days.
Medical Tourism for HIPEC
Thailand, Malaysia, and India have emerged as key destinations for medical tourism due to their advanced medical infrastructure, skilled healthcare professionals, and cost-effectiveness.
Known for its world-class medical facilities and expertise in cancer treatments, Thailand attracts a large number of medical tourists seeking HIPEC. Leading hospitals in Bangkok, such as Bumrungrad International Hospital and Samitivej Hospital, offer HIPEC procedures performed by highly trained surgeons.
Malaysia has positioned itself as a leading medical tourism destination, offering excellent healthcare services and competitive prices. Hospitals like Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur and Prince Court Medical Centre provide HIPEC treatment options, ensuring international standards of care.
India has gained prominence in the field of medical tourism, offering a wide range of medical treatments, including HIPEC, at affordable costs. Renowned hospitals like Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, and Max Healthcare have dedicated oncology departments that specialize in HIPEC procedures.
Medical tourism enables patients to receive timely treatment, minimizing disease progression and improving outcomes. Medical tourism destinations often provide comprehensive care packages, including accommodation, transportation, and post-operative support, ensuring a comfortable experience for patients and their families. Companies like Medditour provide opportunities for those who are seeking oncology treatment including HIPEC to combine their treatments with vacation, so that they can relax and recover faster.
In conclusion, Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) offers a promising treatment option for patients with peritoneal surface malignancies. Thailand, Malaysia, and India, as key medical tourism destinations, provide excellent opportunities for patients to access HIPEC procedures at affordable costs, while benefiting from the expertise of skilled healthcare professionals and advanced medical infrastructure.