Patients' experience of portacaths in cystic fibrosis: questionnaire-based study.

Backgrounds And Aims: Portacaths are regularly used in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). We aimed to assess patient satisfaction with lateral chest wall portacaths in children with CF.

Methods: All children in a geographical region with CF and portacath in situ were identified. Site of chest wall placement was identified on X-ray; only children with lateral chest wall portacaths were sent questionnaires. Data collected included preoperative information, cosmesis and interference with activities.

Results: Of the 46 patients identified, 42 had lateral chest wall ports. 25 of this 42(60%) submitted their questionnaires. 22(88%) were happy with preoperative information although only 8(32%) recall being offered choice of position. 23(92%) were satisfied with cosmesis. 2 patients reported problems with physiotherapy only with indwelling needles. 6(24%) patients had problems with clothing, 7(32%) with sports and 3(12%) with seatbelts.

Conclusions: Lateral chest wall portacaths are cosmetically acceptable. Impact on daily activities is less common than that reported with anterior chest wall placement.