The short answer: Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel, an ESGO-certified gynaecological oncologist with 12+ years of experience, performs cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC at Sterling Hospitals, Sindhubhavan Road, Ahmedabad (and also at KD Hospital). The operation first removes all visible cancer from the belly; then heated chemotherapy is washed through the belly to reach cancer cells too small to see. Families often call it garam chemo (in Gujarati, પેટની અંદર ગરમ કીમોથેરાપી). It is offered only to selected women, mostly with stage 3 (sometimes stage 4) ovarian cancer, when all visible tumour can be removed and the woman is fit for a long operation. It is not a guaranteed cure, and many women are treated well without it.
On this page
- What is HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery?
- Why Sterling Hospitals 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 Sterling Hospitals, 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 Sterling Hospitals, Sindhubhavan Road for HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery?
Sterling Hospitals, Sindhubhavan Road, is one of the two hospitals (with KD Hospital) where Dr. Nishtha performs cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC; PIPAC is also offered here. For HIPEC, what matters is the multidisciplinary tumour board, advanced imaging, on-site pathology and intensive care after surgery. Sterling also has a da Vinci surgical robot, but HIPEC is done as open surgery, not robotic surgery. 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: Sterling Hospitals’ tumour board, advanced imaging, on-site pathology and intensive care unit mean intra-operative imaging, frozen-section pathology, and post-operative critical care are available on site.
- Proximity for patients in west Ahmedabad: Bodakdev, Satellite, SG Highway, Vastrapur, Prahlad Nagar, Thaltej, Bopal 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. The evidence is strongest when HIPEC is added to interval surgery, after chemotherapy has been given first; its value at a first (upfront) operation is still being studied. HIPEC also adds to the risks of a long operation, such as infection, bowel problems, blood clots and strain on the kidneys, which Dr. Nishtha will discuss with you. The typical patient journey at Sterling Hospitals 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 Sterling Hospitals, usually 8–14 hours, followed by close monitoring in the ICU. Most women stay in hospital about 10–14 days, including 3–5 days in the ICU. Our step-by-step guide covers 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 Sterling Hospitals, Sindhubhavan Road
Consultations for HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery with Dr. Nishtha at Sterling Hospitals 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 Sterling Hospitals, Sindhubhavan Road
Where exactly is Sterling Hospitals and how do I reach it for a HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery consultation?
Sterling Hospitals is located at Sindhubhavan Road in Ahmedabad. The hospital is reachable from Bodakdev, Satellite, SG Highway, Vastrapur, Prahlad Nagar, Thaltej, Bopal 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 Sterling Hospitals for HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery rather than a generalist?
Sterling Hospitals is one of the two hospitals, with KD Hospital, where Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel performs HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery, with full multidisciplinary support — tumour board, advanced imaging, on-site pathology and intensive care. 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 Sterling Hospitals?
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 Sterling Hospitals?
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.
How much does HIPEC cost at Sterling Hospitals?
There is no fixed price, because the cost depends on how much surgery is needed, the number of ICU days, the room category and any extra treatment. Indicative ranges (not a quote) are on our HIPEC treatment page, and Sterling Hospitals gives you a written estimate before any treatment begins. Ask the team about cashless insurance, which is subject to approval.
Can I get a second opinion before deciding on HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery at Sterling Hospitals?
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.