title: Complications of an implantable venous access device (Port-a-Cath) during intermittent continuous infusion of chemotherapy.
abstract: In 149 patients, treated with intermittent continuous infusion of different chemotherapeutic agents, 169 Port-a-Caths were implanted by qualified surgeons and residents in training. The peri- and postoperative complications of implantation of the Port-a-Cath system and the complications during treatment were retrospectively analysed. The Port-a-Cath was in situ for a total of 36247 days (median 181, range 1-1332). Of the 169 catheters, major complications occurred during treatment, with infection in 4 patients (2.4%), occlusion in 3 (1.8%), thrombosis in 8 (4.7%), extravasation in 8 (4.7%) and migration in 3 (1.8%). The peri- and postoperative complication rate was low, although pneumothorax occurred in 6 patients (3.6%). In 25 patients (14.8%) the Port-a-Cath had to be explanted due to complications. It can be concluded that continuous infusion of chemotherapy via a Port-a-Cath system is a relatively safe procedure, although major complications do occur. The experience of the surgeon could not be related to the complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Poorter
authors.forename: F N
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Lauw
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Bemelman
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Bakker
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Taat
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Veenhof
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents