Utility and complications of permanent venous access devices (PVAD) in oncological treatments. Follow-up of 100 cases.
BACKGROUND
Permanent venous access devices (PVAD) are nowadays routinely implanted and used with some morbidity for the oncological treatments. The adequate timing of implantation based on the number of treatments, the survival rate and the complications has not yet been well estimated.


METHODS
A hundred permanent venous access devices placed in oncological patients were followed-up prospectively.


RESULTS
No mortality was seen due to the surgical act. A 11% morbidity rate was noted, largely due to infections, with 6 patients needing a second surgery. On average, 6 chemotherapy cycles were done after placing of the permanent venous access device.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to these results and an average survival rate of 10.7 months, we suggest the placing of a permanent venous access device early in the management of oncological patients requiring chemotherapy cycles, so as to increase the comfort of the patient and to safeguard his peripheral venous system.
Groebli
Y
Y
Service de Chirurgie, Hôpital des Cadolles, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Wutrich
P
P
Safa
M
M
Tschantz
P
P
Callewaert
G
G
Piguet
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects; D007601:Jugular Veins; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013350:Subclavian Vein
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents