VBHC for patients with abdominal neoplasms and carcinomatosis in an IPU in Colombia
Decades ago, patients with tumors of the appendix, ovary, colon, stomach and mesothelioma with
involvement of the peritoneum were considered to have no therapeutic option with curative
intention. Cytoreductive surgery (CCR) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
were developed in the 1980’s in the United States as a procedure with curative intent that has been
shown to be safe. Thus, our program was born in 2007 as a pioneering center in Colombia that, to
date, has almost 15 years of experience in the comprehensive treatment of patients with this
condition and Currently, there are 4 groups in Bogotá, 6 in Colombia and a total of 84 in Latin America
in contrast with 2 groups in Brazil when we started in 2007. From the beginning, we have been
characterized by continuous improvement, search for knowledge and relentless work to give patients
the most qualified care. These, through a highly specialized team, advanced surgical techniques and
state of the art technology attaining in October 2015 the certification as a Clinical Care Center for the
treatment of patients with Peritoneal Neoplasms by the Joint Commission International and the
recertification in 2018 Y 2022 for the continuous compliance with the highest quality standards.
We offer a high quality 1st-world service in a 3rd-world country. Our team involves multiple
medical specialties including oncologic surgery, colorectal surgery, oncology, urology, gynecology,
anesthesia, radiology, pathology among others, as well as health professionals such as nurses, physical
and respiratory therapists, social workers and many more, that have focus on quality, on giving their
best of their ability to serve the complex and interrelated needs of each our patients.
Our patients involved any patient, from Colombia and other Latin-American countries, with
peritoneal carcinomatosis. They are involved since the first moment they enter the outpatient room,
being engaged in a culture of self-care and active participation in the process of decision-making.
During the hospital stay, our team carefully follows the process in order to prevent adverse events and
real time information about the patient’s status and medical decisions is constantly being provided to
the main team.
Our group defines patient value according to the Porter’s value equation. Relevant
outcomes measured for the medical conditions not only include the general clinical
variables but also the ones that impact strongly on the patients and their family
perceptions of care such as 24/7 medical assistance, survival rate and even
mortality. However, the concept of value has been modified taking into account not
only the clinical outcomes, but also the ones that matter the most to our patients,
giving them comfort during and after the process and making our center a
patient-centered care facility. Additionally, quality is one of the cornerstones of our
mission, which is why we chose to be certified and maintain that credential by Joint
Commission International, constantly offering the highest quality standards,
understanding that there is always room for improvement.