title: Use of central venous catheters for prolonged venous access in cancer chemotherapy.
abstract: A preliminary experience in the use of central venous catheters, including Hickman (15), subclavian jugular (Desseret) (50) and Secalon Hydrocath (3), in cancer chemotherapy is presented. There were no technical complications and no mortality attributable to catheterisation. Infections formed the major complication in Hickman (30%) and subclavian jugular (Desseret) (36%) catheters, while the use of Secalon Hydrocath was event-free. The commonest organism isolated was P aeruginosa (60%), followed by staphylococci (30%). Prolonged venous access was achieved with minimum morbidity. It is concluded that central venous catheters are safe and convenient both for the patient and the treating team, and should be used in all patients undergoing protracted chemotherapy and supportive care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Bombay.
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Rajoor
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Charak
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Banavali
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Iyer
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Saikia
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gopal
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Advani
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents