How to Prepare for HIPEC Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide for Patients


Medicine Made Simple Summary

Preparing for HIPEC surgery can feel overwhelming because the procedure is long, complex and unfamiliar to most patients. Good preparation—both physical and emotional—can make recovery smoother and reduce complications. This guide explains each step in simple language so patients and families understand what to expect during the days and weeks leading up to surgery. It covers medical tests, diet, fitness, mental preparation, packing for the hospital and how caregivers can support recovery. The goal is to help you feel confident and in control as you approach HIPEC.

Prepare for HIPEC by improving nutrition, increasing gentle exercise, completing all preoperative tests, organizing your home support system and understanding the recovery timeline. Good preparation leads to better outcomes and faster healing.

Why Preparing for HIPEC Is So Important

HIPEC surgery is not a routine operation. It involves:

• Removing visible tumors inside the abdomen
• Using heated chemotherapy to kill microscopic cancer cells
• A long time under anesthesia
• Intensive recovery afterward

Because the body undergoes major stress, preparation can significantly improve:

• Healing speed
• Strength after surgery
• Ability to walk early
• Bowel function
• Emotional resilience
• Overall safety

Patients who prepare well often recover faster and experience fewer complications.

Understanding the Timeline Before HIPEC

Most patients have 2–4 weeks to prepare, depending on medical condition. Some may have more time if chemotherapy is ongoing. Regardless of timing, preparation is always beneficial.

General timeline:

• 3–4 weeks before: Strength building, nutrition focus
• 1–2 weeks before: Tests and lifestyle adjustments
• 3–5 days before: Diet changes and bowel preparation (if required)
• Day before surgery: Fasting instructions, final checks
• Day of surgery: Arrival and consent

Every surgeon may have slightly different protocols, but the key steps remain similar.

Step 1: Complete All Preoperative Tests (Medical Evaluation)

Your medical team will conduct several tests to determine whether HIPEC is safe and effective for you. These tests also help plan the surgical approach.

Typical tests include:

• CT scan or MRI to map cancer spread
• Blood tests to check liver, kidney, and blood counts
• ECG or echocardiogram to assess heart health
• Lung function tests (in some cases)
• Nutritional assessment
• Physical fitness evaluation
• Anesthesiologist consultation

These tests tell the team whether:

• Your heart and lungs can handle long anesthesia
• Your kidneys can tolerate the heated chemotherapy
• You need nutritional support before surgery
• HIPEC is the right treatment for your cancer spread pattern

Never hesitate to ask what each test means—your team expects questions.

Step 2: Improve Your Nutrition (Fuel for Healing)

Nutrition is one of the most important factors in preparing for HIPEC.
Major surgery places huge demands on the body, and good nutrition prepares you for healing.

Key nutritional goals:

• Build strength
• Improve immunity
• Reduce risk of infection
• Speed up recovery
• Maintain healthy weight

What to focus on:

1. High-protein foods

• Eggs
• Paneer
• Chicken
• Fish
• Lentils
• Greek yogurt
• Protein shakes

Protein helps tissues heal and prevents muscle loss.

2. Easy-to-digest carbohydrates

• Rice
• Oats
• Bananas
• Boiled potatoes
• Soft rotis

These provide energy without stressing digestion.

3. Healthy fats in moderation

• Olive oil
• Nuts
• Avocado
• Seeds

4. Hydration

• Dehydration can complicate anesthesia and recovery.
• Drink water, soups, and electrolytes unless your doctor restricts fluids.

Avoid:

• Heavy fried foods
• Very spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Smoking (must be stopped completely)

If appetite is low, eat smaller meals more frequently. A nutritionist may create a personalized meal plan.

Step 3: Build Strength With Gentle Exercise (Prehabilitation)

Even a little exercise before surgery can make a big difference afterward. Doctors now recommend “prehabilitation,” which means improving fitness before surgery.

Benefits:

• Faster recovery
• Better lung function
• Reduced complications
• Improved mobility
• More energy after surgery

Safe activities include:

• Daily walking (start slow, increase gradually)
• Light stretching
• Deep breathing exercises
• Simple leg and arm movements
• Light yoga (avoid strain)

Goals:

• Walk 20–30 minutes daily
• Practice slow, deep breathing
• Strengthen leg muscles to support walking after surgery

If you already exercise regularly, continue at a gentle level.

Step 4: Prepare Emotionally and Mentally

HIPEC is physically demanding, but the emotional journey can be just as challenging.

It is normal to feel:

• Fear
• Uncertainty
• Anxiety
• Loss of control
• Worry about family
• Concern about recovery

Helpful strategies:

• Ask your surgeon to explain the entire process
• Bring a family member to appointments
• Speak with a psychologist if needed
• Join a HIPEC support group
• Talk to someone who has undergone HIPEC
• Practice calming techniques like diaphragmatic breathing

Patients who prepare mentally cope better with postoperative stress.

Step 5: Understand the Hospital Process in Advance

Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and helps you feel prepared.

You should know:

• Where the surgical ward is
• How long you will stay in ICU
• How many days you may be hospitalized
• Whether the hospital provides a caregiver bed
• Visiting hour policies
• What items are allowed inside
• When physiotherapy will begin

Being familiar with the environment reduces first-day stress.

Step 6: Prepare Your Home and Support System

Most patients need 4–8 weeks of recovery at home after HIPEC. Preparing early avoids stress later.

Home preparation:

• Arrange a clean and comfortable resting area
• Keep essentials like water, snacks and medicines nearby
• Ensure easy access to the bathroom
• Organize your home to avoid bending or lifting

Caregiver preparation:

• Choose someone who can stay for at least the first 2–3 weeks
• Explain your dietary needs
• Share the recovery plan with them
• Give them important contact numbers

Caregivers play a vital role in emotional and physical support.

Step 7: Medications and Medical Instructions Before Surgery

Your doctor may adjust your medications.

Possible changes:

• Stop blood thinners several days before surgery
• Adjust diabetes medications
• Continue essential heart or thyroid medicines
• Begin nutritional supplements if recommended

Always follow medical instructions strictly.

Step 8: 3–5 Days Before Surgery — Dietary Adjustments

Some surgeons recommend a lighter diet to prepare the bowel.

Common instructions:

• Switch to soft foods
• Avoid fried and fatty meals
• Increase fluids
• Eat smaller meals

In some cases, bowel preparation may be required. Your doctor will tell you if this applies to you.

Step 9: The Day Before Surgery — Final Preparation

Typical instructions include:

• Clear liquids after lunch or dinner
• Stop solid foods at a specific time
• Take medicine prescribed for bowel preparation (if applicable)
• Shower with antiseptic soap
• Pack your hospital bag

What to pack:

• Comfortable loose clothing
• Important documents (ID, medical reports, insurance)
• A small towel
• Phone charger
• Personal toiletries
• Notebook to record instructions

Avoid jewellery, valuables and heavy items.

Step 10: Day of Surgery — What to Expect

On the morning of surgery:

• Arrive early
• Avoid eating or drinking unless instructed
• Meet your anesthesiologist
• Sign consent forms
• Wear hospital gown
• Remove contact lenses or dentures
• The surgical team will take you to the operation theatre

Your family will be informed once surgery begins.

Understanding What Happens Immediately After HIPEC

After surgery:

• You may wake up in the ICU
• Tubes and drains may be present
• Nurses will monitor your vitals closely
• Pain medicines will be provided
• Walking will begin early (within 1–2 days)

Preparing mentally for this stage makes recovery easier.

What Patients Wish They Knew Before HIPEC

Common insights from survivors:

• Walking helps recovery more than anything
• Appetite returns slowly — do not panic
• Emotional ups and downs are normal
• Family support makes a huge difference
• Recovery takes weeks, not days
• Asking questions helps reduce fear

Being informed from the start makes the journey easier.

Conclusion

If you are preparing for HIPEC, speak with your surgeon or nurse coordinator today to understand your personalized preparation plan. Every patient’s needs are different. With the right diet, fitness routine, emotional support and knowledge, you can approach HIPEC with confidence and improve your recovery outcomes. Ask your medical team for clarification on any step you find confusing.