European journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology
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Post-operative difficulties apart, venous thrombosis, extravasation and dislocation, obstruction, catheter leakage and local and systemic infections are the typical complications associated with venous port systems. Such complications considerably reduce the benefits otherwise accruing from a reliable access to the venous system of patients with malignant tumours. ⋯ In may cases it will be possible, with the help of a specific diagnostic investigation, to identify and correct a fault and this ensure that the system installed continues to function. Typical and frequent complications observed (with specific examples) in connection with port systems are described together with preventative measures, diagnosis and therapy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Preservation versus section of intercostal-brachial nerve (IBN) in axillary dissection for breast cancer--a prospective randomized trial.
Preservation of the intercostal-brachial nerve is advocated to reduce side effects of axillary dissection for breast cancer. We conducted a prospective randomized trail to compare functional results: sensory deficit and/or shoulder pain in preserved (group I) vs sacrificed (group II) intercostal-brachial nerve (IBN). ⋯ Conservation of the IBN, while anatomically preferable, is not functionally necessary during axillary dissection for breast cancer.