The short answer: HIPEC (heated chemotherapy washed through the belly, often called garam chemo, पेट के अंदर गर्म कीमोथेरेपी) is given at the end of a major open operation that removes all visible cancer (cytoreductive surgery). It is mainly used for selected women with advanced ovarian cancer (andashay ka cancer, अंडाशय का कैंसर), usually stage 3 and sometimes stage 4, when all visible tumour can be removed and the woman is fit for a long operation. It is not right for everyone and is not a guaranteed cure. At KD Hospital, Ahmedabad, Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel, an ESGO-certified gynaecological oncologist with 12+ years of experience, assesses whether HIPEC suits you and performs the operation when it does. She also performs HIPEC at Sterling Hospitals.
On this page
- What is HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery?
- Why KD Hospital for this surgery
- Who is a candidate
- What to expect
- How to book
- FAQs
What is HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery?
Cytoreductive surgery combined with HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) involves removing all visible tumour from the abdomen, then bathing the abdominal cavity with heated chemotherapy at 41–43°C for 60–90 minutes to kill microscopic residual disease. Both parts are done in one open operation (through a cut in the tummy), which usually takes 8–14 hours. In carefully selected women, adding HIPEC can help keep the cancer away for longer; it does not suit everyone and is not a guaranteed cure.
The procedure is performed by a fellowship-trained gynaecological oncosurgeon — Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel — at KD Hospital, with full multidisciplinary back-up including medical oncology, radiation oncology, anaesthesia, pathology and radiology.
For broader information on this cancer, see our guide to ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment and our main page on HIPEC eligibility and treatment. Authoritative external guidance: Van Driel et al., New England Journal of Medicine — HIPEC in advanced ovarian cancer and ESGO Advanced Ovarian Cancer guidelines.
Why KD Hospital, Vaishnodevi Circle, SG Highway for HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery?
KD Hospital is a well-established multi-specialty hospital with comprehensive oncology, advanced imaging and pathology support. Specifically for HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery, the centre offers advanced imaging suite, on-site pathology, dedicated oncology ward, well-equipped surgical theatres. These features matter for cancer surgery because:
- Single-team continuity: Dr. Nishtha personally manages your case from consultation through surgery and follow-up. You do not get passed between rotating team members.
- Multidisciplinary tumour board: complex cases are discussed jointly with medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology and radiology before final treatment decisions.
- Established infrastructure: KD Hospital’s advanced imaging suite, on-site pathology, dedicated oncology ward, well-equipped surgical theatres mean intra-operative imaging, frozen-section pathology, and post-operative critical care are available on site.
- Open surgery, not robotic: KD Hospital also has a surgical robot, but HIPEC with cytoreductive surgery is done as open surgery, because advanced ovarian cancer needs the whole belly to be checked and cleared. The robot is used for other operations, such as most early womb cancers.
- Proximity for patients in west Ahmedabad: Gota, Vandematram, Chandlodia, north-west Ahmedabad reach the hospital within a short drive, making post-op follow-up logistically simple.
Who is a candidate for HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery?
HIPEC with cytoreductive surgery may be considered for selected women with stage 3 (sometimes stage 4) ovarian, fallopian-tube or primary peritoneal cancer that has spread along the lining of the belly (the peritoneum), when all visible tumour can be removed and the woman is fit for a long operation. The strongest evidence is for interval surgery, done after about 3 cycles of chemotherapy; its value at a first (upfront) operation is less certain. HIPEC is not right for everyone, and many women do well with surgery and chemotherapy without it. The decision is individualised after review of:
- Histopathology / biopsy reports confirming diagnosis and grade
- Imaging (ultrasound, CT or MRI) to assess local extent and stage
- Tumour markers (CA-125, CEA, HE4 — where relevant)
- Performance status, comorbidities and patient preferences (including fertility wishes)
- Prior treatment history (neoadjuvant chemotherapy, prior surgery)
For an individualised assessment, please bring all of these reports to your consultation, or share them on WhatsApp in advance.
What to expect with HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery
When HIPEC suits you, the heated chemotherapy reaches cancer cells too small to see, during the same operation. In the main trial (OVHIPEC-1, van Driel and colleagues, New England Journal of Medicine, 2018), women who had interval surgery after 3 cycles of chemotherapy lived longer on average when HIPEC was added: median overall survival 45.7 months, compared with 33.9 months without HIPEC. These are averages, not a promise for any one person. The typical patient journey at KD Hospital looks like this:
- Initial consultation — review of reports, examination, plan discussion (45–60 minutes).
- Investigations — any additional imaging or tests required to complete staging.
- Multidisciplinary discussion — case reviewed at tumour board where appropriate.
- Surgery planning — admission, pre-op review with anaesthesia, consent discussion.
- Surgery and recovery — open operation at KD Hospital, usually 8–14 hours. Most women stay in hospital about 10–14 days, including 3–5 days in the ICU (intensive care). Read more about preparation and recovery around HIPEC.
- Follow-up — first review at 1–2 weeks post-discharge, then 3-monthly for 2 years, then 6-monthly to year 5.
How to book HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery at KD Hospital, Vaishnodevi Circle, SG Highway
Consultations for HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery with Dr. Nishtha at KD Hospital are by prior appointment. To book:
- Call or WhatsApp: +91 76988 00333
- Online: Book an appointment
- Second opinion: Request a free 10-minute report review
For patients travelling from outside Ahmedabad, mention this at booking so the team can group consultation, investigations, and pre-op work-up into the fewest possible visits.
FAQs — HIPEC with Cytoreductive Surgery at KD Hospital, Vaishnodevi Circle, SG Highway
Where exactly is KD Hospital and how do I reach it for a HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery consultation?
KD Hospital is located at Vaishnodevi Circle, SG Highway in Ahmedabad. The hospital is reachable from Gota, Vandematram, Chandlodia, north-west Ahmedabad within a comfortable drive. Patients arriving from outside Ahmedabad can plan a single-day consultation by booking in advance on +91 76988 00333.
Why choose KD Hospital for HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery rather than a generalist?
KD Hospital is a well-established multi-specialty hospital with comprehensive oncology, advanced imaging and pathology support. Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel performs HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery here with full multidisciplinary support — advanced imaging suite, on-site pathology, dedicated oncology ward, well-equipped surgical theatres. This combination of fellowship-trained surgeon, dedicated oncology infrastructure, and tumour-board case review is associated with better outcomes than non-specialist settings.
Who is a candidate for HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery at KD Hospital?
HIPEC with cytoreductive surgery may be considered for selected women with stage 3 (sometimes stage 4) ovarian, fallopian-tube or primary peritoneal cancer, when all visible tumour can be removed and the woman is fit for a long operation. It is not right for everyone. Eligibility is confirmed after review of imaging (ultrasound, CT or MRI), biopsy or histopathology reports, and tumour markers. A consultation with Dr. Nishtha allows a personalised treatment plan to be formulated.
How long is the hospital stay after HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery at KD Hospital?
HIPEC with cytoreductive surgery is an open operation, not keyhole surgery. Most women stay in hospital about 10–14 days, including 3–5 days in the ICU (intensive care), depending on how much surgery was needed and how recovery goes. Gentle daily activity usually returns in about 4–6 weeks, and full recovery takes about 3–4 months. Dr. Nishtha’s team plans discharge protocols individually.
Is the robot at KD Hospital used for HIPEC?
No. KD Hospital has a surgical robot, but HIPEC with cytoreductive surgery is an open operation through a cut in the tummy, because advanced ovarian cancer needs the whole belly to be checked and cleared. Robotic surgery suits other operations, such as most early womb cancers and some selected early ovarian cancers.
Can I get a second opinion before deciding on HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery at KD Hospital?
Yes. Dr. Nishtha provides independent second opinions on diagnosis, staging, and proposed treatment plans. You can share reports on WhatsApp (+91 76988 00333) before the consultation so the meeting focuses on your specific decision.
Medical content reviewed by Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel, MBBS, DGO, DNB, Fellowship Gynaecological Oncology, ESGO-certified.