EARLY EXPERIENCE WITH TOTALLY IMPLANTABLE VENOUS ACCESS PORT SYSTEM FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Surgery, Mansoura University

2 Mansoura University, Department of Pediatric

3 Mansoura University and department of Pediatric, Banha University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background & Aim of work: Vascular access in children receiving chemotherapy often poses an important problem. The irritating drugs used destroy peripheral veins, leading to a progressive decrease of available surface vessels. This can delay or prevent the administration of a planned therapy. Several methods of venous access have been developed, from arteriovenous fistula to indwelling right atrial silicon rubber catheters. Totally implanted devices, consisting of a subcutaneous injection port attached to a silicon catheter, have been tried for those children. 
We are reporting here our early experience to assess the efficiency of this device. 
Patients & Method: Between February 2001 and February 2004, 28 devices were placed in 28 patients with solid neoplasm or haematologic malignancy. All the catheters were inserted by cutdown of the subclavian veins. The age of the patients ranged from 6 months to 12 years old. Follow up period ranged from 4 to 20 months. 
Results: We did not have any early complication of insertion. System obstruction was the most frequent late complication. 
The mean life of the implanted system was 288 days. 
Conclusion: Totally implanted devices proved safe & efficient venous access. Implantation should be performed by 
experienced surgeon. Obstruction is the most common complication & may be prevented by adequate information & training of the users.

Keywords

The Egyptian Journal of Surgery
Volume 24, Issue 1
January 2005
Pages 15-21

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