Leading edge treatment for advanced cancers
Ascension Michigan leading in HIPEC Care
Our cancer specialists at Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, specialize in treating advanced cancers with the latest technology and procedures, including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). St. John Hospital was the first hospital in Michigan to provide HIPEC to treat gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum.
The HIPEC program at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit is led by Richard Berri, MD. Dr. Berri is the Medical Director, Oncology Service Line for Ascension Michigan, and the Director of the HIPEC Program and Chief of Surgical Oncology at Ascension St. John Hospital. Since his arrival, Dr. Berri and his team have performed more than 425 HIPEC procedures. He has a special interest in the surgical management of peritoneal cancer – cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdomen that originates from the appendix, colon, ovary or other sites. He is highly experienced and delivers advanced care for many types of cancer in the abdomen. The HIPEC procedure has been used to treat:
- Appendiceal cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Primary peritoneal mesothelioma
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei (rare tumor in the abdomen that grows slowly and builds up mucin, a jelly-like substance)
How does HIPEC work?
HIPEC is a two-step procedure. The surgeon removes the tumor from the abdominal cavity and then bathes the cavity with a heated chemotherapy solution. The solution is then removed and the incision is closed. Delivering heated chemotherapy throughout the abdominal cavity allows the medication to directly penetrate the affected tissue and reach areas where cancer cells aren’t easily visible.
Cancer is personal. So is the way we care for you
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. With Ascension Michigan Cancer Care, you’re not alone. Upon your diagnosis, you’ll meet with your multidisciplinary cancer care team, including a care navigator. We start by listening to understand you, then we work with you to deliver a personalized care plan to help get you back to home, family and your daily life. At Ascension Michigan Cancer Care, your doctors, nurses and specialty care team are part of a national team of experienced cancer doctors, sharing best practices and the latest in cancer care knowledge and research – bringing the best of oncology to you, close to home.
Get a second opinion on your cancer diagnosis or care plan
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension sites of care. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When you are facing a new cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records from your doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Consultations
Physicians, if you are interested in referring a patient for a consultation or discussing the HIPEC procedure, please call Dr. Berri at 313-647-3252. Patients seeking a second opinion or wanting to schedule a consultation can complete this contact form and our nurse navigator will call you. Consultations are available during daytime office hours and evenings, Monday to Friday and weekends.
