Jammu, 24th Sept 2024 – In a significant medical advancement, the Surgical Oncology team at American Oncology Institute (AOI) ASCOMS, Jammu, successfully performed a highly innovative procedure—Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)—on a 59-year-old female patient suffering from an advanced appendiceal tumor. The procedure was carried out by AOI Jammu’s distinguished surgical oncology team, led by Dr Avinash Rajra and Dr Sujeet Bhat, with crucial support from the anesthesia team, including Dr Atul Sharma and Dr Khuram Malik.
Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an advanced cancer treatment used for specific types of cancer that spread within the abdomen. The initial procedure involves removing as much of the visible cancer as possible from the abdominal area. After the surgery, through HIPEC the chemotherapy drugs are heated and circulate directly inside the abdomen. Its a combination of surgery to remove the tumor and heated chemotherapy to kill any leftover cancer cells in the abdomen.
The patient had initially presented with abdominal pain and had a history of undergoing an appendicectomy for appendicitis. Post-surgery, her histopathology revealed a mucinous neoplasm. Unfortunately, she did not receive appropriate follow-up treatment and was misdirected to various centers without a clear course of action. Upon arrival at AOI Jammu, a detailed CT scan revealed widespread disease within the abdomen. After thorough evaluation and counselling, the patient was advised to undergo cytoreductive surgery combined with HIPEC, an advanced treatment modality that offers maximum benefits in cases of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, a disease resistant to conventional chemotherapy.
The surgery involved complete removal of the tumor from multiple sites in the abdomen, followed by the infusion of chemotherapy drugs at elevated temperatures into the abdominal cavity, maintained for 90 minutes. This combination of surgery and HIPEC is designed to target cancer cells more effectively.
Dr. Avinash Rajra, Surgical Oncologist at AOI Jammu, said, “HIPEC is a game-changing procedure, especially for patients with conditions like Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. By using heated chemotherapy directly in the abdomen after removing the visible tumors, we significantly improve the chances of eliminating remaining cancer cells, offering patients a better long-term prognosis.”
The patient recovered well post-surgery and was discharged after one week. This advanced treatment offers renewed hope to patients suffering from similar conditions, where traditional chemotherapy often proves ineffective.
Harish Trivedi, CEO of CTSI South Asia, highlighted the importance of such advanced procedures, stating, “At AOI, we are committed to offering the most advanced Cancer Care, and the successful completion of this HIPEC procedure reflects our team's dedication to providing the highest quality treatments. This procedure is a milestone for cancer care in the region and reaffirms our mission to deliver world-class healthcare to patients in need.”
Dr Neeraj Bishnoi, RCOO, AOI North Region, added, “The success of this advanced procedure underscores our capability to treat complex cases and offer innovative solutions to patients. We remain dedicated to expanding access to cutting-edge treatments, such as HIPEC, for those who require it the most.”
“The patient responded exceptionally well to the treatment, and we are pleased to report a successful outcome. Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC is one of the most effective treatments for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei – commonly known as “jelly belly”. This is because the condition involves a buildup of mucus-producing tumor cells in the abdomen, which creates a jelly-like substance. The innovative procedure allowed us to completely remove the tumor and minimize the chances of recurrence,” said Dr Sujeet Bhat, Surgical Oncologist, AOI Jammu.
AOI in Jammu continues to be at the forefront of Cancer Care, combining state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled specialists to offer the most effective treatment options for patients battling cancer.
