HIPEC is the abbreviation for the technical term ‘hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy’. HIPEC is a specific form of chemotherapy. It is mainly used for cancer patients with peritoneal metastases. The peritoneum is the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. 
HIPEC is usually combined with surgery. First, all visible tumours are removed, and then the abdominal cavity is flushed with a heated chemotherapy solution. This is intended to kill any cancer cells that may not have been removed during the operation.