title: Safe removal of long-term venous catheters in the neck.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Tunnelled venous catheters are a well-established method of long-term venous access for total parental nutrition, chemotherapy and antimicrobial treatment. Removal of these catheters is a simple procedure; however, there are some significant risks.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case in which a serious complication occurred. A simple technique for the safe removal of long-term venous catheters is described.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A direct surgical removal is now generally favoured for safe line removal. However, this still carries the same complications and care must be taken in the technique.
authors: SPR General Surgery, South Tyneside District General Hospital, UK Duncan.light@hotmail.co.uk.
authors: Duncan
authors: D
authors: Light
authors: Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, South Tyneside District Hospital, UK.
authors: Sriram
authors: S
authors: Subramonia
authors: Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, South Tyneside District Hospital, UK.
authors: Arun
authors: A
authors: Krishna
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000295:instrumentation*; D020878:Device Removal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans
keywords: Venous catheters; interventional radiology; tunnelled catheters