DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven peritoneal cancer that is amenable to total resection Originated as colorectal adenocarcinoma or cancer of the appendix No diffuse (unresectable) tumors No microscopic cancer only No hepatic, lymph node, or extraabdominal metastases on the preoperative work-up No primitive peritoneal mesothelioma No peritoneal pseudomyxomas or ascites No cancer that originates as ovarian or neuroendocrine cancer, especially sarcomas (intra- or retroperitoneal) Complete resection of tumor deposit No originating cancer of unknown origin