Cytoreductive surgery is a surgical procedure used in cases of peritoneal mesothelioma involving the removal of the tumor affecting the protective lining of the abdomen. It is often used in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The procedure improves the quality of life by easing the cancer symptoms, but also increases the average life expectancy. This extremely complex procedure can only be carried out by a mesothelioma specialist.