EXPERIENCE OF CHEMO PORTS FOR CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY FROM A TERTIARY CANCER CENTRE OF SOUTHERN INDIA

Manjunath KV; Dr. Syed Althaf; Dr. Ramachandra.C; Dr. Pavan kumar. J

Volume : VIII, Issue : VI, June - 2019

EXPERIENCE OF CHEMO PORTS FOR CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY FROM A TERTIARY CANCER CENTRE OF SOUTHERN INDIA

Manjunath Kv, Dr. Syed Althaf, Dr. Ramachandra. C, Dr. Pavan Kumar. J

Abstract :

Introduction: Chemo port is an indispensable part of the management of patients with cancer and delivers long-term venous access. There are few studies from resource poor countries reporting complications of chemo port. Aims: This study was aimed at unfolding the complications of chemo port in patients with cancer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study analysed 58 patients who underwent chemo port insertion. The medical records of these patients were studied for the patient characteristics, diagnosis, port-related complications and their management. Results: A total of 58 ports were implanted and 2 ports were removed due to port-related complications. There were 11 males and 47 females whose ages ranged from 2 years to 68 years (median age 39.5 years). Of 58 ports, there were 8 complications that led to the removal of 2 ports. Port-related infection was the most common complication observed in our study (8.6% of which 3.4% were major complications leading to removal of port and 5.2% had minor wound complications). Malposition of catheter, Catheter fracture and migration and bleeding during chemo port removal were encountered in 5.1% of patients. Conclusions: In conclusion, chemo port is a bonus for majority of the patients because of the ease of treatment it makes physical activity of patient�s life more convenient, it still has got complications. Early identification of these complications helps in avoiding major devastating injury. Nevertheless, knowing the appropriate and accurate use and not overlooking potential complications, an intravenous port system is a comfortable and safe device.