The first successful PIPAC therapy in Turkey has been performed at the Atlas Clinic in Istanbul. The surgeon had taken part in our international PIPAC workshop at the German PIPAC Center shortly before.
Why we train surgeons from abroad
Over the past years, PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy) has become a treatment option for patients with peritoneal metastases (peritoneal carcinomatosis). If the procedure is to be done safely in other countries, the surgeons need thorough training.
That is what our regular international workshops are for. Surgeons from many countries learn the method in theory and practice, from patient selection and the technical steps to follow-up care.
What is PIPAC therapy?
In PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy), a chemotherapy drug is delivered into the abdominal cavity as a fine mist during a minimally invasive procedure. The pressure helps the drug penetrate the tumour tissue, at a much lower dose than in systemic chemotherapy.
First PIPAC at the Atlas Clinic Istanbul
One of the participants in our most recent international workshop was Prof. Dr. Burak Kavlakoglu from the Atlas Clinic in Istanbul. Shortly after returning to Turkey, he performed the first PIPAC in the country. The procedure followed the international standard protocol and there were no complications.
Patients with peritoneal cancer in Turkey can now receive PIPAC in their own country instead of travelling abroad.
“The first successful PIPAC in Turkey is a moving moment for us. It shows that our international workshops achieve exactly what we hope for: not only passing on knowledge, but opening up access to an effective therapy for patients worldwide. We warmly congratulate our colleagues at the Atlas Clinic and look forward to continuing our cooperation.” Prof. Dr. med. Jürgen Zieren, German PIPAC Center
Why quality-assured training matters
PIPAC is technically demanding. Pressure, aerosolisation, safety standards and patient management all have to be right for the treatment to work as intended and to be safe.
Our workshops therefore usually include:
- theory on indications, patient selection and how PIPAC works
- hands-on training with PIPAC equipment
- live operations with experienced surgeons
- case reviews and discussion of clinical scenarios
- continued advice after the workshop
The procedure in Istanbul is one example of how this works in practice.
An international network
PIPAC centres in different countries stay in contact, share their experience and develop the method further together. The Atlas Clinic is now part of this network.
Colleagues who start performing PIPAC in their home country after a workshop can continue to ask us for advice.
We also thank REGER Medizintechnik GmbH, our long-standing partner for technical equipment, and everyone else involved.
Outlook: more international workshops planned
Interest in PIPAC is growing in many countries. Further international workshops for surgeons from abroad will take place at the German PIPAC Center in the coming months.
The Atlas Clinic in Istanbul now offers PIPAC, and we are glad our workshop helped make that possible.
Do you have questions about PIPAC therapy or our workshops?
At the German PIPAC Center, we advise patients as well as medical colleagues. Whether your question is about treatment options for peritoneal cancer or about joining one of our workshops, Prof. Dr. Zieren and his team will answer it personally.
Arrange a personal consultation
Ask us, without obligation, about PIPAC therapy or our workshops.
