Tolerance of intraperitoneal chemohyperthermia with mitomycin C: in vivo study in dogs.

Tolerance of intraperitoneal chemohyperthermia (IPCH) with mitomycin C (2 mg/kg) by irrigation of the peritoneal cavity via a closed circuit system was evaluated in Beagle dogs for possible use in the management of human peritoneal carcinomatosis. Of dogs, 24 underwent three digestive anastomoses each. They were randomized into three groups: control (n = 6), intraperitoneal hyperthermia (n = 8) and IPCH (n = 10). Peritoneal temperatures were maintained between 41-43 degrees C for 60 min. Tolerance was evaluated through clinical follow-up, biological samples (serum electrolytes, blood counts and serum enzymes), histological examinations and post-mortem macro- and microscopic controls of anastomosis. Mortality and morbidity rates were not different in the three groups. No anastomotic leakage occurred. Evidence of biological toxicity was minimal. Histological examinations showed no definitive tissue damage. IPCH appears to be a safe and reliable device in dogs. Plans to combine IPCH with MMC in surgical resection of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis are underway.