[Complications of the use of implantable reservoirs of central venous access++ in pediatrics: causes and treatment].

The use of a totally implantable reservoir venous system (RIAV) in children improved the quality of life of a large group of patients undergoing long-term drug therapy. We have routinely used RIAV in the last four years with specific therapeutic indications. One hundred and seven Low Profile model Port-a-Cath (PAC) and two PAS-Port were followed in 104 patients, for a total of 43.000 days, i.e. 395 days per system. Complications which arose in our series were classified as severe (requiring system withdrawal) and slight (resolved medically). There were 17 severe complications: 9 obstructions, 5 infections, 2 skin necrosis and 1 catheter roture, and 5 slight complications including 2 obstructions, 2 system infections and 1 haematoma. Analysis of complications provided the experience necessary to establish a protocol, in order to reduce the number of catheter withdrawals to a minimum.