UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Surgeon Ryan Merkow, MD, in surgery
Appointments: 1-855-702-8222Meet Our HIPEC Team

As a leader in cancer care, the University of Chicago Medicine is one of few hospitals offering hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for adults and children with abdominal cancer. Our level of HIPEC expertise is unmatched in the greater Chicago area.

UChicago Medicine is home to a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center — the gold standard for U.S. cancer programs. With us, you can count on the highest level of cancer care backed by advanced research and treatments.

What is HIPEC Surgery?

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an advanced, targeted surgical technique that attacks abdominal cancer with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. HIPEC is delivered after surgery to remove intra-abdominal tumors, and sometimes the surgery can be performed with a minimally invasive approach. During HIPEC, the patient's abdominal cavity is bathed in a heated, highly concentrated chemotherapy solution to eliminate any remaining cancer.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)

HIPEC is an aggressive, targeted surgical technique that attacks abdominal cancer with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Appointments: 1-855-403-0349

How does HIPEC procedure work?

First, our surgeons remove visible tumors through cytoreductive surgery (CRS). Whenever possible, we use a minimally invasive, robotic-assisted approach, which is not widely available at other hospitals. During robotic-assisted CRS, the surgeon uses a small, thin camera called a laparoscope and highly precise instruments to remove cancerous tissue.

Then, our surgeons pump a powerful dose of heated chemotherapy inside the abdomen. The 108-degree chemo bath circulates throughout the abdominal area, which is also called the peritoneal cavity. This delivers highly concentrated doses of hot chemotherapy, which allows doctors to intensify the drugs’ cancer-fighting abilities while directly targeting cancerous cells. After about 90 minutes, the chemo is washed out, and incisions are closed.

What are the benefits of HIPEC?

Patients may consider hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy because it has:

  • Fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy, because the cancer-fighting agents do not circulate throughout the whole body
  • Deeper penetration of the medicine, due to high temperatures that cause blood vessels to expand
  • Greater effectiveness at killing cancer cells in the abdomen

Who is a candidate for HIPEC?

Our team is one of the most experienced in the nation, and one of just a few locations that offers the treatment to children and adults. The best candidates are those who have been diagnosed with:

For some patients, HIPEC can achieve a long-term cure for their abdominal cancers. In other cases, it allows doctors to treat incurable cancers more like a chronic disease and less like a terminal illness. We are here to provide guidance and care every step of the way. Request an appointment and take the next step toward personalized treatment and support.

A Leader in Managing Advanced Cancer

UChicago Medicine experts are expanding the possibilities for cancer treatment in important ways, particularly for people with advanced and metastatic disease. Through innovative clinical trials and research, UChicago Medicine continues to advance the science of HIPEC and improve outcomes for patients with peritoneal cancer.

We are also at the forefront of immunotherapy, using the power of the immune system to find and destroy cancer cells. 

Meet Our HIPEC Surgeon and Physician Team

HIPEC care is part of our highly respected Regional Cancer Therapies Program. Led by nationally known HIPEC surgeon Mecker G. Möller, MD, our team includes a broad range of medical and surgical specialists, as well as nurses and cancer scientists.

Select a specialty to learn more about our experts:

Surgical Oncology
Ryan Merkow, MD, MSRyan Merkow, MD, MS

Surgical Oncology

Mecker G. Möller, MDMecker G. Möller, MD

Surgical Oncology

Cecilia Ong, MDCecilia Ong, MD

Surgical Oncology

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for HIPEC, please call 1-855-702-8222.

By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.