Complications with fully implantable venous access systems in oncologic patients.

AIMS

To evaluate the complications caused by long-term central venous catheterization in patients with malignant hemopathies or solid tumors.

METHODS

Retrospective study from June 1988 to June 1993 in 211 consecutive patients who required 223 venous access devices for long-term use. A consistent analysis was possible only in 161 of these patients.

RESULTS

Fourteen catheter systems were removed for complications. Infections were the most common complications, with an overall incidence rate of 9.6%, i.e. 0.033/100 catheter days/patient. A significant difference was noted between the two groups of patients: 10 cases (24%) in malignant hemopathies, 6 cases (4.8%) in solid tumors (P = 0.0002). The main mechanical complication was thrombosis, with an incidence rate of 3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the cost-benefit ratio, our study indicates that fully implantable venous access systems in oncologic patients are extremely useful.