Patna: The Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna achieved a landmark in cancer care on Saturday, 31 May 2025, by successfully performing its first HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) surgery at the State Cancer Institute’s Department of Gynaecologic Oncology. This complex and high-end procedure marks a significant leap in oncologic treatment capacity in Bihar.
HIPEC is a specialised surgical technique that involves the circulation of heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity immediately following cytoreductive surgery. It is primarily used in treating peritoneal surface malignancies, including advanced ovarian and gastrointestinal cancers. The technique improves drug penetration and eradication of residual cancer cells, potentially enhancing survival outcomes.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Vivek Sukumar, a consultant in Surgical Oncology from the Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, known for his expertise in gastrointestinal and peritoneal surface oncology. His collaboration was instrumental in guiding the IGIMS surgical team through the intricacies of this pioneering intervention.
The event also included a continuing medical education (CME) session on HIPEC, aimed at training local clinicians and broadening awareness of this advanced modality.
IGIMS Director Prof. (Dr.) Bindey Kumar presided over the inaugural event as Chief Guest, alongside a distinguished panel of medical leaders: Prof. (Dr.) Om Kumar, Dean; Prof. (Dr.) B. P. Sinha, Deputy Director; Prof. (Dr.) Rajit Guha, Principal; Dr. (Prof.) Rajesh Kumar Singh, Chief of the State Cancer Institute; Prof. (Dr.) Manish Mandal, Medical Superintendent; and Prof. (Dr.) P. K. Dubey, Head of Anaesthesia.
The programme was led by Prof. (Dr.) Sangeeta Pankaj, Head of Gynaecologic Oncology and Organising Chairperson, with coordination support from Dr. Kavya Abhilashi, Assistant Professor and Organising Secretary.
With this milestone, IGIMS joins a select group of tertiary care centres in India offering HIPEC and signals a new era in comprehensive, advanced cancer treatment in Bihar. Officials hope this development will reduce the need for patients to seek high-end cancer therapies outside the state, strengthening Bihar’s healthcare autonomy and capacity.
