Complications with fully implantable venous access systems in oncologic patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the complications caused by long-term central venous catheterization in patients with malignant hemopathies or solid tumors.


METHODS
Retrospective study from June 1988 to June 1993 in 211 consecutive patients who required 223 venous access devices for long-term use. A consistent analysis was possible only in 161 of these patients.


RESULTS
Fourteen catheter systems were removed for complications. Infections were the most common complications, with an overall incidence rate of 9.6%, i.e. 0.033/100 catheter days/patient. A significant difference was noted between the two groups of patients: 10 cases (24%) in malignant hemopathies, 6 cases (4.8%) in solid tumors (P = 0.0002). The main mechanical complication was thrombosis, with an incidence rate of 3%.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the cost-benefit ratio, our study indicates that fully implantable venous access systems in oncologic patients are extremely useful.
Laurenzi
L
L
Intensive Care Unit and Pain Therapy, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
Fimiani
C
C
Faglieri
N
N
Natoli
S
S
Milasi
G
G
Tirelli
W
W
Arcuri
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000209:etiology