Preparing for HIPEC: Your Personal Checklist for Pre-Op, Equipment and Recovery at Home

Medicine Made Simple Summary 

Preparing for HIPEC can feel overwhelming because it involves major surgery, hospital stay and a long recovery. Many patients and families ask what they should do before admission, what items to carry, how to prepare their body and mind, and how to get their home ready for recovery. This article explains everything in simple and practical language. It includes a clear preparation checklist covering medical tests, nutrition, home arrangements, mental readiness and early post-operative care. By the end, you will feel organised, confident and ready for the HIPEC journey.

Why Preparation for HIPEC Matters 

HIPEC combines extensive tumour-removal surgery with heated chemotherapy. This procedure places a large demand on the body. Good preparation improves safety, reduces complications and makes recovery smoother. Preparing well also reduces stress and helps families feel more in control. Suggested image: Simple illustration of a HIPEC preparation checklist.

Understanding the Stages of Preparation

Preparation for HIPEC has three major parts. The first is medical preparation, which includes tests and fitness optimisation. The second is practical preparation, such as arranging hospital documents and necessary items. The third is home preparation for recovery after discharge. Each part plays an important role in ensuring that the patient is physically and mentally ready for the procedure.

Step 1: Completing All Required Medical Tests

Your doctor will prescribe several tests before HIPEC. These may include blood tests, scans, kidney function tests and heart evaluation. Completing these tests early helps doctors understand your fitness level and guides the surgical plan. Some centres also perform nutritional evaluations because strong nutrition improves healing. Suggested image: Medical test checklist graphic.

Step 2: Strengthening Your Body Before Surgery 

A strong body recovers better after HIPEC. Try to eat small, frequent meals with enough protein. Fluids help keep the body hydrated. If you are losing weight, the doctor may suggest supplements. Gentle walking and breathing exercises improve lung function. Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake are important because they improve surgical safety. Even small improvements in fitness make a big difference after surgery.

Step 3: Understanding Your Medicines Before Admission 

Inform your doctor about all your current medicines, including blood thinners, diabetes medicines, supplements and herbal products. Some drugs must be stopped before surgery. Others need dose changes. Clarifying this early avoids complications.

Step 4: Preparing Mentally and Emotionally 

HIPEC is a long procedure, and patients may feel anxious. It helps to talk openly with your doctor about your doubts. Many patients feel calmer when they understand the steps clearly. Breathing exercises, reading or talking with family members can reduce anxiety. Ask your hospital if they offer counselling or support services. Suggested image: Illustration of patient talking with counsellor.

Step 5: Packing a Simple but Useful Hospital Bag 

Carry only what you truly need. This usually includes personal hygiene items, loose comfortable clothing for discharge, your medical reports, identity proof and insurance papers. Eyeglasses, hearing aids or dentures should also be packed if needed. Families may carry light snacks, warm clothes and phone chargers. Avoid jewellery or valuables.

Step 6: Organising Important Medical Documents 

Prepare one folder with all important papers. This includes previous reports, scan films, biopsy results, current prescriptions and insurance documents. Having everything in one place helps doctors make quick decisions and speeds up hospital processes.

Step 7: Planning for Your Hospital Stay 

You may stay in the hospital for one to two weeks. Inform your family and workplace so they can plan accordingly. Arrange for one caregiver to stay with you. Make sure the caregiver understands the surgery timeline and post-operative plans. If you live far from the hospital, arrange accommodation for the family during the stay.

Step 8: Preparing Your Home Before Discharge 

Your home should be clean, clutter-free and easy to move around after surgery. Keep frequently used items at waist level to avoid bending. Arrange a comfortable place to rest. If needed, place towels or pillows to support your back. Check that the bathroom has non-slippery flooring or mats. Create a small corner for medicines, water and healthy snacks. Suggested image: Home preparation layout diagram.

Step 9: Arranging for Help at Home 

Recovery after HIPEC requires support during the first few weeks. Patients may need help with cooking, cleaning or managing medicines. Arrange for a family member or caregiver to stay with you. If you live alone, discuss home-care services with the hospital.

Step 10: Understanding Early Post-Operative Needs 

After discharge, patients may still feel weak. Appetite may be low and bowel movements may be slow. Doctors may give medicines to help digestion. The incision area needs gentle care. Walking a few steps several times a day improves healing. Keeping water within easy reach helps maintain hydration.

Step 11: Following the Diet Plan 

Small, frequent, soft meals are ideal during early recovery. Well-cooked vegetables, soups, khichdi, curd rice, dal and protein-rich foods help healing. Avoid spicy, oily or heavy meals initially. Discuss your diet with the hospital nutritionist. Good nutrition is essential because the body works hard to heal after HIPEC. Suggested image: Simple plate diagram showing balanced recovery diet.

Step 12: Managing Medicines After Surgery 

You may receive pain medicines, antibiotics and supplements. Understand how and when to take each one. Set reminders if needed. Do not skip doses without speaking to your doctor. If you experience nausea or discomfort, inform the medical team. They can adjust your medicines.

Step 13: Caring for the Wound 

Keep the surgical wound clean and dry. Follow the hospital’s dressing instructions. If you notice redness, swelling, unusual discharge or fever, contact your doctor immediately. Good wound care prevents infection and supports smooth healing.

Step 14: Monitoring for Symptoms During Recovery 

Contact your doctor if you have severe pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, bleeding, fever or signs of dehydration. Early communication prevents complications. Doctors prefer that you report symptoms early, even if they seem minor.

Step 15: Preparing for Follow-Up Visits 

Follow-up visits are essential. Doctors check healing, appetite, energy levels, blood counts and scan results. These visits help track recovery and detect recurrence early if it happens. Mark follow-up dates clearly and plan for travel in advance.

Step 16: Staying Emotionally Supported 

Recovery after HIPEC is both physical and emotional. Some patients feel anxious about recurrence. Others feel relieved and hopeful. Talking with caregivers, counsellors or support groups helps build emotional strength. Mental well-being is an important part of healing.

Conclusion

If you are preparing for HIPEC, start early. Speak with your surgical oncologist, finish all tests on time and prepare your home and mind for the journey. Good preparation improves safety and makes recovery smoother. Use this checklist to stay organised and confident. Reach out to your doctor for personalised guidance and ask questions whenever you feel uncertain.