[The fluoroscopy-guided implantation of subcutaneous venous ports: the complications and long-term results].
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of technical success rate, long-term outcome and initial complication rate in patients with fluoroscopically guided port implantation.


METHODS
Between January 1994 and April 1997 124 ports were implanted under fluoroscopic guidance in 120 patients. Indications for port implantation were anti-cancer chemotherapy, antibiotic and supportive therapy in patients with tumours or cachexia.


RESULTS
Implantation was technically successful in 98.4% of the patients. We had a 3.2% minor complication rate that did not necessitate further treatment. One pneumothorax required a chest tube (0.8%). During a total of 17,534 days, complications occurred in 10.8% of all ports, 6.9% of the ports had to be explanted because of these complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Insertion of ports under fluoroscopic guidance has a low complication rate and good long-term results. The rate of 93.1% of functioning ports is superior to that reported in other studies. It is less costly and has a lower complication rate than surgical implantation. Therefore it seems to be the method of choice for patients requiring long-term subcutaneous venous access for chemotherapy or supportive therapy in malignant tumours or other emaciating diseases.
Abteilung für Diagnostische Radiologie, Klinik, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen.
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A
Kluge
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H
Stroh
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D
Wagner
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K
Rauber
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005268:Femoral Vein; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013350:Subclavian Vein; D013997:Time Factors