Article type :
Review Article
Author :
Surinder Singh Sodhi
Volume :
1
Issue :
3
Abstract :
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) results in a number of physiological changes with effects on the cardiovascular system, oxygen consumption and coagulation. The Critical Care interventions required for this cohort of patients have not yet been quantified. The chemotherapy is administered in high dosages to the targeted area and washed out, thereby limiting the systemic toxicity. The procedure usually takes 8 to 18 hours and is most commonly used to treat appendiceal, colorectal or mesothelioma tumours including those that have failed standard chemotherapy and/or prior surgeries. Patients face major and life threatening derangements of their hemodynamic, respiratory and metabolic physiologic balance during the surgery and in the immediate postoperative period. Intensive monitoring and timely detection of possible complications and appropriate remedial action is crucial for better surgical results.