Peritoneal Disease
About 30% of colorectal cancers which have metastases (spread to distant sites) spread to the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen. We give the volume of disease a score, which can be determined by scans or by laparoscopy (a daycase surgical procedure). Those with lower scores and few sites of disease which are operable are found to do better, if they are administered a single dose of chemotherapy into their abdomen at the time of surgery. Moreover, the tissue penetration is improved by circulating this fluid at a temperature of 42 C. This can be done at presentation or for recurrence of peritoneal disease.
The heated circulated chemotherapy is termed HIPEC (Hyperthemic IntraPEritoneal Chemotherapy). This part of the process is usually performed for 60-90 minutes. These are open surgeries and take a long time to complete.
There are very few units in the UK who undertake this work and again very few in London. Mr Rajendran leads the peritonectomy service with Dr Pauline Leonard (Consultant Oncologist) and the help of Mr Kaul and Jemma O'Reilly (Lead Cancer Nurse), Nicky Akar (Lead Chemotherapy Nurse) and Adelina Martinou (Lead for HIPEC in Theatres).
Any patients being considered for this type of surgery are discussed in the Complex Colorectal Cancer MDT and you will be led through the pathway by our CNS team from the point of diagnosis, to the surgery and the aftercare.
About 30% of colorectal cancers which have metastases (spread to distant sites) spread to the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen. We give the volume of disease a score, which can be determined by scans or by laparoscopy (a daycase surgical procedure). Those with lower scores and few sites of disease which are operable are found to do better, if they are administered a single dose of chemotherapy into their abdomen at the time of surgery. Moreover, the tissue penetration is improved by circulating this fluid at a temperature of 42 C. This can be done at presentation or for recurrence of peritoneal disease.
The heated circulated chemotherapy is termed HIPEC (Hyperthemic IntraPEritoneal Chemotherapy). This part of the process is usually performed for 60-90 minutes. These are open surgeries and take a long time to complete.
There are very few units in the UK who undertake this work and again very few in London. Mr Rajendran leads the peritonectomy service with Dr Pauline Leonard (Consultant Oncologist) and the help of Mr Kaul and Jemma O'Reilly (Lead Cancer Nurse), Nicky Akar (Lead Chemotherapy Nurse) and Adelina Martinou (Lead for HIPEC in Theatres).
Any patients being considered for this type of surgery are discussed in the Complex Colorectal Cancer MDT and you will be led through the pathway by our CNS team from the point of diagnosis, to the surgery and the aftercare.
