Tumours of the peritoneal surface

In the first part of the book, the authors familiarise the reader with the anatomical and histopathological characteristics of the peritoneal surface and the basic characteristics of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Over time, this treatment has become the standard for selected tumour entities of the peritoneal surface. This is despite the fact that most doctors still define peritoneal involvement as a terminal stage of cancer, with no possibility of treatment.
This is certainly true for some types of secondary peritoneal tumours in particular, but for some types of tumours this treatment can significantly affect the overall survival of patients or the recurrence-free period, and even cure some patients completely.
Separate chapters cover the epidemiology of peritoneal surface tumours, the current view on pathological classification, scoring systems for describing the extent of peritoneal carcinomatosis, the possibilities for diagnosing peritoneal spread, and the indications and criteria for performing CRS and HIPEC. The surgical procedure and subsequent HIPEC represent an extreme burden on the body with a huge risk of postoperative morbidity.
Inappropriate indication can lead to a demonstrable increase in the number of complications and unnecessary frustration for both the attending physicians, the patients, and the management of the healthcare facility. The authors present the techniques and procedures of their own surgical preparation during cytoreductive surgery and peritonectomy, as well as the techniques and cytostatic regimens used during the HIPEC phase. This section is a unique output of their own experience and modifications of the surgical procedure. It presents examples of the cytostatics used and the duration of hyperthermia according to the different types of peritoneal surface tumours.
The authors also discuss postoperative complications, the importance of systemic chemotherapy, regimens and indications (in cooperation with the Department of Oncology of the University Hospital Olomouc). The system of international cooperation and education in the field of cytoreductive chemotherapy is also described.
The book is intended for surgeons, oncologists, internists, gastroenterologists, and gynaecologists.