Quality of life after cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal surface malignancies: A systematic review

BackgroundCytoreductive Surgery (CRS) accompanied by Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a promising technique in the treatment of peritoneal metastatic disease. The complexity and the potential adverse effects of the procedure can significantly affect patients' Quality of Life (QoL). Few studies have assessed the impact of CRS + HIPEC in patients' QoL using structured and validated tools. This is a systematic review of the currently available published data, investigating the QoL after performing CRS + HIPEC for tumours of varying primary origin.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of the studies indexed in PubMed database until July 2014, using as key phrase “quality of life” and “intraperitoneal chemotherapy”, including studies using only validated questionnaires for assessing quality of life parameters.Results20 studies were identified that matched the criteria set. The results of these studies, although of significant heterogeneity, clearly demonstrate that although overall QoL scores drop in the immediate postoperative period, at an average of 3 months post procedure they recover to 80%–100% or even exceed baseline values. Furthermore, between 6 and 12 months postoperatively, overall QoL is improved in survivors compared to pre-operative status.ConclusionsCRS and HIPEC is feasible as a treatment modality in selected patients with peritoneal metastatic disease and can preserve or even improve patients' overall quality of life.