STNM Hospital in Gangtok has achieved a major milestone by performing Sikkim’s first HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) procedure, marking a significant step forward in the state’s cancer treatment capabilities.
The advanced procedure was successfully conducted on a patient with advanced ovarian cancer. The surgical team was led by Dr. Romey Rai, with valuable support from Dr. Nilima Pradhan and Dr. Anita Gurung. The patient has since been discharged and is recovering well.
HIPEC is an advanced form of cancer therapy where, after surgically removing visible tumors, heated chemotherapy drugs are circulated within the abdominal cavity. This targeted approach helps eliminate remaining cancer cells more effectively while reducing the side effects typically associated with conventional chemotherapy.
Dr. Rai emphasized that this success reflects Sikkim’s growing capacity to provide advanced cancer care locally. Dr. Pradhan and Dr. Gurung credited the positive outcome to meticulous planning and excellent teamwork.
With this capability now available within the state, patients can access specialized cancer treatment closer to home, reducing the need to travel to distant medical centers.