Quality of life after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal surface malignancies.

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is associated with high morbidity. The Quality of Life (QoL) assessment in this patient group with a limited life expectancy and high recurrence rate is important. Published data show an impairment of postoperative Quality of Life at 3 months postoperatively with an improvement over 6-12 months at levels higher than the baseline. Standardized instruments QoL have to be included in clinical trials assessing the efficacy of CRS and HIPEC.