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.