The influence of externalized Groshong catheters or subcutaneously implanted ports on normal daily activities of cancer patients

Abstract

8155 Background: The protracted continuous infusion of drugs by means of venous access systems is a common modality of chemotherapy administration. We investigated the impact of externalised Groshong catheters (EGC) or subcutaneously implanted ports (SIP) on normal daily activities of cancer patients. Methods: A questionnaire investigating the psychological adaptation to the presence of EGC or SIP was administered to cancer patients. In particular, patients were asked to answer some questions exploring the level of disturbance on daily personal care, social relations, working environment and sexuality. Cases with catheter-related complications (thrombosis, infections) were excluded from analysis. Results: Eighty-six patients were evaluated. The characteristics of 28 patients with EGC were: males/females: 14 (50%)/14 (50%), PS 0–1/2–3: 24 (86%)/4 (14%), metastatic disease/non metastatic: 18 (64%)/10 (36%). Characteristics of 58 patients with SIP were: males/females: 34 (58%)/24 (42%), PS 0–1/2–3: 50 (86%)/8 (14%), metastatic disease/non metastatic: 34 (58%)/24 (42%). Sixty-four per cent of patients with EGC felt uncomfortable in social relations because of device presence, compared with 27% of patients with SIP. Sixty-four per cent of patients with EGC complained about the difficulty in daily personal cleanliness, compared to 17% of patients with SIP. As for patients not retired, 71% of patients with EGC asserted to be embarrassed in the working environment compared to 18% of patients with SIP. Regarding sexuality, respectively in the two groups ECG/SIC, 70%/63% reported some troubles in sexual activity, and, respectively 28%/9% attributed these disturbances to device presence. Conclusions: With respect to subcutaneously implanted ports, the presence of externalised devices for chemotherapy administration causes a significant increase in the level of disturbance in various aspects of daily life. No significant financial relationships to disclose.