PIPAC stands for Pressurised Intraperitoneal Aerosolized Chemotherapy. It is a type of cancer treatment in which chemotherapy drugs are flowed and delivered at the cancer site in the form of pressurised aerosol or spray. It is a minimally invasive procedure in which chemotherapy is given directly into the abdominal cavity without surgical removal of cancer. 

PIPAC treatment makes use of the physical traits of gas and pressure. It is a relatively new method and is used, primarily, in the treatment of abdominal cancers, especially, end-stage peritoneal carcinomatosis. Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue lining the inside of the abdomen. 

PIPAC technique is given for abdominal cancer. However, it can also be done for treating the following cancers:

• Stomach cancers 
• Pancreas cancer
• Liver cancer 
• Appendix cancer 
• Recurrent ovarian cancer 
• Colorectal cancer 
• Appendiceal cancer

PIPAC technique is done in a minimally invasive manner under the effect of anaesthesia. Your surgeon begins the procedure by making a small incision in your abdomen. Through this incision, your doctor inserts a thin tube attached with a camera called a laparoscope. 

After accessing the cancer site, your doctor flows the chemotherapy drug into your stomach through a nebuliser (a machine that turns liquid into a fine mist). The drug takes some time to take effect into your body. 

PIPAC is a new method and its impacts are being widely studied by researchers and doctors. Compared to traditional chemotherapy, PIPAC treatment has fewer side effects that include mild nausea, slight pain and discomfort in the stomach. 

PIPAC is a palliative treatment option meaning that it helps improve the quality of life of a cancer patient.

PIPAC treatment has a variety of benefits over systemic chemotherapy. Common advantages include:

• Better patient experience
• Fewer side effects 
• Better tolerability 
• Less toxicity 
• faster-repeated application
• Safe and efficient procedure