News & Events

Coimbatore, Nov 12th: G.Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial (GKNM) Hospital is proud to announce the launch of a dedicated HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) Specialty Clinic, marking a significant milestone in advanced cancer care in Coimbatore and Western Tamil Nadu.

With 25 HIPEC procedures successfully performed to date, GKNM Hospital stands as one of the leading centres for HIPEC treatment in the region, offering new hope to patients with complex abdominal cancers.

The clinic was inaugurated by Dr. Ragupathy Veluswamy, Chief Executive Officer of GKNM Hospital along with Dr. Sivanesan, Chairman of Oncology, Dr. Praveen Ravishankaran, Consultant Surgical Oncology, Robotic & HIPEC Surgeon and Dr. Arulraj, Consultant Surgical Oncology, Robotic & HIPEC Surgeon.

HIPEC is a highly specialized procedure offered to select patients with cancers that have spread within the abdominal cavity, such as ovarian cancer, appendiceal tumors, colorectal cancers, peritoneal mesothelioma, gastric cancers, and certain rare peritoneal malignancies. The treatment involves two key steps- Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) to remove the visible tumour deposits, followed by circulation of heated chemotherapy within the abdomen at a controlled temperature. This targeted approach directly destroys microscopic cancer cells, enhances drug penetration, improves effectiveness, and reduces systemic side- effects typically associated with conventional chemotherapy.

Speaking about the launch, Dr. Praveen Ravishankaran and Dr. Arulraj Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Robotic and HIPEC Surgeons at GKNM, stated that the clinic aims to provide comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and follow-up under one roof. "Our team has gained extensive experience in CRS and HIPEC, and having performed 25 cases with excellent outcomes, we are now establishing a specialized clinic to ensure structured, protocol-based, multi-disciplinary care for these complex cancers. The HIPEC Specialty Clinic will offer patients timely diagnosis, selection, prehabilitation, post-operative care, and long-term monitoring, all backed by a dedicated expert team."

The newly established clinic brings together a multi-disciplinary team including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, anesthesiologists, intensivists, pathologists, physiotherapists, dieticians, and palliative care experts. This coordinated model ensures holistic care, better recovery, reduced complications, and improved quality of life for patients.

With the increasing incidence of abdominal cancers and improved evidence supporting HIPEC as a life- extending treatment, GKNM Hospital aims to create awareness among patients and general practitioners about the benefits of early referral. International studies have shown that in well-selected patients, HIPEC can significantly improve survival, reduce recurrence, and enhance long-term outcomes.

The new HIPEC Specialty Clinic will also focus on patient support services, counselling, and financial guidance, ensuring that deserving patients have access to world-class treatment options. GKNM Hospital plans to extend its training, academic partnerships, and clinical research in the field of peritoneal surface oncology, contributing to scientific advancement and improved patient care standards.

With the launch of this clinic, GKNM Hospital reinforces its commitment to offering state-of-the-art, compassionate, and comprehensive cancer care, making Coimbatore an important hub for HIPEC treatment in South India.