Assessing the Impact of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy on Anastomotic Integrity after Cytoreductive Surgery in Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from gastrointestinal malignancies, particularly colorectal and gastric cancers, represents a significant therapeutic challenge due to the diffuse nature of tumor spread. The combination of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has emerged as a promising treatment modality, offering potential survival benefits by targeting residual microscopic disease. However, this aggressive approach is associated with a heightened risk of gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks, one of the most severe complications of gastrointestinal surgery. These leaks result from a complex interplay of factors, including hyperthermia-induced ischemia, chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity, and a pro-inflammatory cytokine cascade involving IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, which impair tissue healing. Furthermore, dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota induced by HIPEC contributes to local inflammation and an increased risk of infection, exacerbating the likelihood of anastomotic failure. The duration and temperature of the HIPEC procedure, the extent of surgery, and the patient’s performance status and tumor burden further influence the risk of leaks. Preventive strategies such as preoperative nutritional optimization, meticulous surgical technique, intraoperative reinforcement of anastomoses, and selective use of protective ileostomies are critical for minimizing these risks. Early detection and prompt management of leaks are essential for reducing morbidity and mortality, improving both short-term and long-term outcomes. This review comprehensively examines the multifactorial causes of anastomotic leaks in the setting of CRS and HIPEC and highlights potential strategies for prevention and improved management.