Central venous access devices (Port) implantation for 176 children with cancer:a single-center experience in ten years

Abstract

Objective To analyze the effect of central venous access devices (Port) implantation for children with cancer. Methods The clinical data of the route and length of catheter implantation, and the causes and management of associated complications in 176 children with cancer implanted with central venous catheter were retrospectively analyzed. Results Of all the cases, 123 catheters were in-troduced through external jugular venotomy, 38 were through subclavian vein puncture and 15 were through the internal jugular vein puncture. Associated complications were noted in 46 cases (26. 1%) during the treatment of Port, in which 27 complicated with catheter related infection and 19 with cathe-ter obstruction. Conclusions Port is safe and effective for children with cancer. Catheter-related infec-tion is one of the most common complications. The inadequate position and insufficient length of cathe-ter implantation may cause catheter obstruction. With experience accumulation and specialization train-ing for surgeons, the incidence of complications of central venous catheter implantation may be re-duced. Key words: Central venous catheter; Complication