ABSTRACT
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) administration requires use of a perfusion machine, reservoir, tubing, catheters, and drug container in addition to typical operating room equipment. Most studies of chemotherapy exposure to operating room staff have been done in open abdomen HIPEC techniques. Based on the studies investigating the safety of HIPEC to operating room staff, there appears to be little occupational hazard associated with HIPEC. The chapter aims to define the potential risks of exposure to agents commonly used for HIPEC, summarizes existing data on occupational exposure during HIPEC, and proposes concrete guidelines that should be followed at centers performing HIPEC to minimize the risks of exposure to healthcare personnel. Since HIPEC is delivered in the operating room, the risk is theoretically highest to operating room staff. It should be noted that personnel in the operating room are trained to safely work with multiple other potential occupational hazards, including volatile anesthetic gases, flammable substances, electrical cautery devices, and blood-borne pathogens.
