[Experience with implanted ports for venous access between 2005 and 2012].

INTRODUCTION

During chemotherapy of cancer patients, vein inflammation may develop which may lead to pain and difficulty in blood sampling. The use of implanted venous access ports may overcome these problems. With a correct use of needles, venous port membrane may be pierced 2000-2500 times.

AIM

The aim of the authors was to analyze their experience with venous access ports and evaluate whether insertion of venous ports occurred in an optimal time.

METHOD

A retrospective study of 63 patients who received venous access ports between 2005 and 2012 was carried out. Complication rate and the time of venous port insertion were analysed.

RESULTS

Of the 63 patients, the venous access port was removed in 22 patients because it was no longer required (n = 14) due to the development of complications (n = 8). 24 patients died from the underlying disease and 17 patients are still alive with the venous port in place.

CONCLUSIONS

In the period studied patients with venous access ports had an improved quality of life. However, the authors conclude that venous access ports were not inserted in an optimal time.