Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS)

PERITONEAL SURFACE ONCOLOGY

Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS)

The surgical foundation of peritoneal cancer treatment — a comprehensive operation to remove all visible tumour deposits from the peritoneum before HIPEC, aiming for complete cytoreduction.

Peritoneal MetastasesAppendix PMPOvarian CancerColorectal Cancer

ABOUT THE PROCEDURE

Removing Every Visible Tumour — The First Step to Cure

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is an extensive surgical procedure aimed at removing all macroscopic (visible) tumour deposits from the peritoneal cavity. It is the essential first step of the CRS + HIPEC combination — without adequate cytoreduction, HIPEC cannot achieve its full therapeutic effect.

The extent of the operation varies with disease burden. It may include peritonectomy (removal of the peritoneal lining from various abdominal surfaces), resection of affected bowel, spleen, gallbladder, uterus, or portions of the liver — whatever is required to achieve a complete resection (CC-0 or CC-1). The Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) score is used pre-operatively to quantify disease extent and plan the surgery.

CRS is a technically demanding operation requiring years of subspecialty training. Dr. Imaduddin completed his training at AIIMS and furthered his CRS + HIPEC expertise during his ESSO Fellowship at University Hospital Hannover under Prof. Dr. Beate Rau.

How It Is Performed

1

Pre-operative Assessment

PCI scoring from imaging (CT/MRI/PET), diagnostic laparoscopy if needed, and multidisciplinary tumour board review to plan resection.

2

Peritonectomy Procedures

Systematic removal of affected peritoneal surfaces — parietal and visceral peritoneum stripped from involved regions: diaphragm, pelvic peritoneum, greater omentum.

3

Organ Resections

Any organs with direct tumour involvement are resected: bowel, appendix, spleen, uterus, ovaries, or portions of liver as dictated by disease distribution.

4

CC Score Assessment & HIPEC

Completeness of Cytoreduction (CC) score is recorded. If CC-0 or CC-1 is achieved, HIPEC follows immediately in the same operation.

CANDIDACY

Who May Benefit?

Low-to-moderate PCI score

Best outcomes are achieved when peritoneal disease can be completely removed. PCI ≤20 for colorectal, ≤39 for appendix PMP are general thresholds.

Contained abdominal disease

Absence of significant extra-abdominal metastases — liver parenchymal or pulmonary metastases need individual assessment.

Good performance status

CRS is a major operation (6–12 hours). ECOG 0–1 and adequate cardiopulmonary reserve are required.

Chemosensitive or slow-growing tumour

Disease biology assessed by prior chemo response or tumour histology (e.g. low-grade appendix tumours have excellent outcomes).

M.Ch AIIMS · ESSO FELLOW

Trained in CRS at AIIMS and Hannover

Dr. Imaduddin completed his M.Ch Surgical Oncology at AIIMS — one of India’s most demanding surgical training programmes — and subsequently specialised in CRS + HIPEC during his ESSO Fellowship in Germany.

💬 Book Consultation

Get a CRS Assessment from a Specialist

Dr. Imaduddin reviews each peritoneal cancer case individually and provides clear guidance on whether cytoreductive surgery is appropriate, achievable, and in the patient’s best interest.