Marshfield Medical Center Performs Wisconsin's First Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy Procedure

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 -- 8:01 AM

Marshfield Medical Center recently performed Wisconsin’s first pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) procedure, marking a significant advancement in Marshfield Clinic’s commitment to innovative cancer treatment.

PIPAC is a cutting-edge technique for treating peritoneal surface malignancies, or cancers that have spread within the abdominal cavity, like colorectal, appendiceal and peritoneal mesothelioma.

These cancers are notoriously difficult to treat, and traditional options have been limited. Unlike conventional intravenous chemotherapy, PIPAC delivers chemotherapy as a fine aerosol under pressure directly into the peritoneal cavity. This allows for more uniform drug distribution and potentially higher concentrations at tumor sites, while reducing systemic side effects.

“The introduction of PIPAC significantly enhances our established Peritoneal Surface Malignancy program,” said Dr. Rohit Sharma, surgical oncologist and the procedure’s lead physician.

“It provides an additional therapeutic option for patients who may have exhausted other treatments or for whom traditional systemic chemotherapy is not well-tolerated.”

This minimally invasive surgical procedure can be used as a palliative treatment to control disease progression, alleviate symptoms like ascites and potentially improve the quality of life for patients.

In some cases, it also can be combined with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

“This achievement underscores the power of collaborative spirit and the dedication of our teams. As the initiating physician for this innovative procedure, I am immensely proud of the collective effort that has positioned us as a leader in the region for treating complex peritoneal cancers,” said Dr. Sharma.

“This first PIPAC procedure is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation, patient-centered care, and the remarkable outcomes we can achieve when we work together.”

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.