Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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A significant number of gynecologic oncologic patients require intravenous chemotherapy. Peripheral venous access frequently becomes difficult, necessitating reliable central venous access. This study was done to retrospectively review our experience with completely implanted venous access ports (ports). ⋯ Catheter performance in 77 percent of the patients was impeccable. We conclude that implantable ports are a safe and reliable method of chronic venous access in gynecologic oncologic patients requiring intravenous chemotherapy. Although ports reduce the number of complications and manipulations associated with percutaneous catheters, they are not devoid of problems.