What to Expect: Preparing for HIPEC — Preoperative Checklist and Tips


Medicine Made Simple Summary

Preparing for HIPEC can feel overwhelming because it involves a long surgery and a detailed recovery. Patients and families often feel unsure about what to do before the procedure, how to prepare physically and emotionally, and what to expect during the hospital stay. This guide explains everything in simple language. It covers how HIPEC patients can get ready step by step, what tests are required, what lifestyle changes help recovery and how to prepare mentally and logistically for surgery. The goal is to make the preparation process clear, manageable and less stressful. 

Preparation for HIPEC includes medical tests, nutrition planning, strengthening the body, organizing home support and understanding what will happen on surgery day. Good preparation leads to safer surgery and smoother recovery.

Why Preparation Matters Before HIPEC

HIPEC is a major procedure that includes both an extensive surgery to remove visible tumors and a heated chemotherapy wash inside the abdomen. The surgery can last many hours, and recovery takes weeks. Patients who prepare well often experience smoother recovery, fewer complications and a clearer understanding of what to expect.

Preparing for HIPEC is not just about completing tests. It also involves physical conditioning, nutrition, mental readiness and arranging support at home. This preparation gives patients control during a time when everything can feel uncertain.

Understanding the Steps Before HIPEC Surgery

HIPEC preparation usually follows a sequence. Each step helps your medical team understand your health and ensures that you are strong enough for surgery.

The preparation steps include:

• Evaluating whether you are a good candidate
• Completing medical tests
• Meeting with specialists
• Preparing physically
• Planning emotionally and mentally
• Organizing logistics at home
• Understanding what will happen during and after surgery

Each of these steps is explained in detail below.

Step 1: Understanding Eligibility and the Decision for HIPEC

Before preparing for surgery, doctors must confirm that HIPEC is appropriate for your cancer. This depends on cancer type, how far it has spread and whether complete tumor removal is possible.

Doctors evaluate:

• Cancer location
• Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) score
• Overall organ function
• How you responded to chemotherapy
• Your fitness level for long surgery

These decisions guide whether HIPEC is recommended and what preparation steps follow.

Step 2: Preoperative Medical Tests Needed Before HIPEC

HIPEC requires a complete understanding of your health. Doctors order several tests to evaluate your organs, blood levels and cancer spread.

Common tests include:

• CT scan or MRI of the abdomen and pelvis
• Chest imaging
• Blood tests for kidney, liver and immune function
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram, if needed
• Assessment of nutritional status
• Sometimes diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm cancer spread

The results help surgeons decide if the procedure is safe and what surgical approach is needed.

Step 3: Nutrition Planning Before HIPEC

Nutrition plays a huge role in recovery. Many HIPEC patients lose weight or feel weak due to cancer or prior chemotherapy. To prepare well, focus on strengthening the body.

Doctors and dietitians often recommend:

• Eating small, frequent meals to maintain energy
• Increasing protein intake through eggs, chicken, fish, lentils or protein shakes
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding heavy, oily or junk foods
• Adding easy-to-digest foods such as soups, rice and cooked vegetables

Patients who improve or maintain their nutrition often recover faster after surgery.

Step 4: Physical Conditioning Before HIPEC

Being physically strong helps the body tolerate long surgery. Even simple exercises can help.

Helpful activities include:

• Walking 20–30 minutes daily
• Light stretching
• Breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs
• Light resistance exercises if approved by your doctor

Patients do not need intense workouts. Consistency is more important than intensity. Good physical conditioning reduces the risk of complications such as infections and improves recovery after surgery.

Step 5: Managing Medications Before HIPEC

Your medical team will review your medications. Some drugs need to be stopped before surgery.

Examples include:

• Blood thinners
• Certain supplements like fish oil
• Anti-inflammatory medicines

Do not stop any medication on your own. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Managing medications correctly reduces the risk of bleeding and surgical complications.

Step 6: Preparing Emotionally and Mentally

HIPEC is not only a physical treatment. It is emotionally challenging. Patients may feel fear, uncertainty or stress. Families may feel overwhelmed.

Helpful ways to prepare mentally include:

• Learning about the procedure through reliable sources
• Asking your surgeon clear questions
• Speaking with a counselor or support group
• Practicing deep breathing or mindfulness
• Sharing concerns with your family

Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety. Many patients say that understanding the process helps them feel more in control.

Step 7: Planning the Hospital Stay

Most HIPEC patients stay in the hospital for 7–14 days. Preparing for this stay can make the experience smoother.

You may want to bring:

• Comfortable clothing
• Personal toiletries
• A notebook to track questions
• Phone charger
• A family contact list
• Light reading material

Hospitals provide most necessities, but personal items can help you feel grounded.

Step 8: Organizing Support at Home

Recovery continues long after the hospital stay. Patients often require help for the first few weeks.

Plan for:

• Someone to drive you home from the hospital
• Help with meals
• Assistance with household chores
• Support with medication reminders
• Emotional support from friends or family

Preparing your home matters too. You may want to:

• Set up a comfortable resting area
• Keep essentials within reach
• Prepare frozen meals
• Arrange a clean, quiet environment for recovery

With support, the transition from hospital to home is smoother.

Step 9: What to Expect the Day Before Surgery

The day before HIPEC, hospitals typically provide instructions such as:

• When to stop eating and drinking
• How to clean your body with antibacterial soap
• What medications you can take
• When to arrive at the hospital

Some patients may receive bowel preparation if required. Many hospitals allow a light dinner the night before surgery. Staying well-hydrated until the cutoff time is important.

Step 10: What Happens on the Day of HIPEC Surgery

On the morning of surgery, you will:

• Check into the hospital
• Change into a hospital gown
• Meet the surgical team, anesthesiologist and nurses
• Have an IV line inserted
• Review the plan one final time with your surgeon

After this, you will be taken to the operating room. The anesthesia team ensures you are comfortable and asleep before surgery begins.

Understanding the HIPEC Procedure Helps Reduce Fear

HIPEC involves two major steps:

• Cytoreductive surgery to remove visible tumors
• Heated chemotherapy circulation inside the abdomen

Knowing what will happen can ease anxiety. The surgical team monitors everything throughout the procedure.

What Happens Immediately After Surgery

After HIPEC, you are taken to the recovery room or intensive care unit. You may have drains, tubes or IV lines, which are removed step by step during recovery.

At this stage, doctors monitor:

• Pain levels
• Blood pressure and heart function
• Kidney function
• Fluid balance
• Breathing
• Bowel movements
• Healing of the surgical wound

This close monitoring ensures a safe transition from surgery to recovery.

Why Good Preparation Improves Recovery

Patients who prepare well tend to:

• Recover bowel function sooner
• Experience fewer complications
• Get discharged earlier
• Regain strength faster
• Feel mentally more in control

Preparation gives the body and mind the support they need during a challenging treatment.

A Simple Preoperative Checklist for HIPEC

This checklist summarizes the essential preparation steps.

Medical preparation

• Complete all tests
• Review medications
• Meet with the surgical and anesthesia team

Physical preparation

• Eat a protein-rich diet
• Stay hydrated
• Walk daily
• Practice breathing exercises

Mental preparation

• Understand the procedure
• Ask questions
• Talk openly with family
• Prepare emotionally for recovery

Home planning

• Arrange transportation
• Organize home support
• Prepare comfortable sleeping arrangements
• Plan meals

This checklist helps patients feel organized and ready.

Conclusion

If you are scheduled for HIPEC or considering it, take time to prepare carefully. Speak with your surgeon or care team to understand your individual needs. Ask for a nutrition plan, clarify medication instructions and involve your family early in your planning. Good preparation creates a safer surgery experience and a smoother recovery. Reach out to your oncology team today to review your preoperative checklist.