For the very first time at SDM Hospital, Dharwad, our Surgical Oncology team led by Dr. Pavan Kumar C G has successfully performed HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) for a patient with advanced ovarian cancer.
This milestone marks a new era in cancer care for patients across Hubli, Dharwad, and North Karnataka, who can now access this advanced treatment much closer to home.
About the Patient’s Journey
Our patient, a 60-year-old woman, was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. She first underwent three cycles of chemotherapy to reduce the cancer burden.
Following this, she was taken up for major cytoreductive surgery, during which our team meticulously removed all visible cancer deposits from the abdominal cavity.
As the final and most crucial step, the patient received heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) directly into the abdominal cavity while still in the operation theatre.

What is HIPEC?
HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is an advanced treatment used for certain cancers involving the abdominal lining.
During HIPEC, a heated chemotherapy solution is circulated within the abdominal cavity after cancerous tissue is surgically removed.
The heat enhances the effectiveness of the chemotherapy, allowing it to directly target any microscopic cancer cells.
This approach combines the benefits of surgery and chemotherapy in a single, powerful treatment.
HIPEC is especially beneficial for:
- Ovarian cancer
- Colorectal cancer with peritoneal spread
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei
- Selected stomach cancers
A Smooth Recovery
Our patient recovered remarkably well. Within six days of her surgery, she was discharged from the hospital in stable condition, without complications.
This smooth recovery highlights not only the effectiveness of HIPEC but also the expertise and dedication of our oncology team at SDM.
Why This Matters for North Karnataka
Until now, patients requiring HIPEC often had to travel to distant metro cities for this advanced treatment. With this successful surgery at SDM Dharwad:
- Patients from Hubli, Dharwad, and surrounding regions can now access world-class cancer care locally.
- Families save valuable time, money, and emotional stress by receiving treatment closer to home.
- SDM joins a select group of institutions in India offering this cutting-edge therapy.
Conclusion
This landmark case represents a significant step forward in cancer treatment in North Karnataka. With the successful performance of HIPEC surgery, SDM Dharwad reaffirms its commitment to offering state-of-the-art, compassionate cancer care for patients in the region.
For patients and families battling advanced cancers, hope is now closer than ever.