BACKGROUND: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a complex, expensive and time-consuming procedure. Despite its good results in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis, these factors have precluded the wider use of this procedure around the world. We hypothesized that HIPEC could be performed by heating the liquid within the abdomen and thus avoiding the need for an external heating circuit and a pump. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of an internal heating device for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in an experimental model. METHODS: Four large-white pigs underwent one-hour open intraperitoneal hyperthermia with closed abdomen using this new device. Constant stirring of the liquid around the viscera was performed in the first three animals, but not in the fourth one. At the end of the procedure, all of the viscera were carefully examined to look for thermal injury. Any lesion or doubtful area was removed and sent to pathologic examination. RESULTS: No adverse events occurred during surgery in any of the animals. A temperature of 42 degrees C was reached in an average time of 14min and maintained homogeneously between 42 degrees C and 43 degrees C for one hour. No visceral injury was detected in the first three animals. Three foci of thermal injury to the mucosa were detected in the absence of stirring (fourth animal). CONCLUSION: Heating the solution within the abdomen during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is feasible, safe and achieves perfect thermal homogeneity. This device provides a time-saving inexpensive way to perform intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy.