• Ana Olivia Cortés-Flores, Gilberto Morgan-Villela, Ernesto Alejandro Juárez-Uzeta, Clotilde Fuentes-Orozco, Jorge Jiménez-Tornero, and Alejandro González-Ojeda.
• Oncología Privada Integral ONKOS, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. avygail5@yahoo.com.mx
• Cir Cir. 2012 Sep 1; 80 (5): 429-34.

BackgroundUse of totally implantable central venous access ports in cancer patients is a common practice for chemotherapy not excluding early and late morbidity.ObjectiveTo report the experience using these devices in a private cancer center.MethodsA consecutive series of 156 cases of patients using these devices placed by the same surgical team to enhance chemotherapy. They were evaluated over a period of 44 months. Prevalence of early and late complications and days-risk for patient infection was determined.ResultsIn 140 cases (89.8%) patients underwent placement of totally implantable devices by surgical cut down through the external jugular vein. One case was done (0.6%) through the internal jugular, and another one (0.6%) through the cephalic vein (0.6%). In the remaining 13 cases (8.4%) devices were placed by percutaneous puncture of the subclavian vein. In one case it was impossible to place it by any of the two access ways (0.6%). The prevalence of early complications was 3.22% and of late complications 1.93%. The average days-risk for the development of infection was 473.8/patient. One case had fracture of the catheter during follow up. There was no mortality.DiscussionOverall complication rate was 5.15%, similar to that reported by reference centers, without infection during follow-up. Access through the external jugular vein facilitates correct positioning of the catheter and has fewer complications.ConclusionsThe combination of a trained surgical team and careful monitoring reduces morbidity and prevents infections. Access through the external jugular is recommended for its accessibility and low morbidity.

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