Retrospective evaluation of our vascular port implantations

Abstract

Vascular ports represent a valid method for long-term chemotherapy administration in the general oncology population with difficult venous access. Its advantages are easy placement under local anesthesia with less discomfort for the patients. The infection rate is lower than percutaneous catheters. Vascular ports have immediate and delayed complications such as pneumothorax, malposition, arrhythmia, catheter occlusion and infection. In this retrospective study we evaluated the gender, follow-up duration, implantation site and complications of 70 patients to whom vascular ports were implanted between 01.01.2003 and 31.12.2003 in our clinic. Of the 70 patients; 43 were female and 27 were male. The median age was 51.3±12.8, and total follow-up period was 5.2±7.5 months. Vascular ports were removed in two patients for catheter occlusion, and in one for suspicion of infection. Conclusion; vascular ports are safe and well-tolerated in cancer patients with difficult access for iv infusions and chemotherapy.