Subcutaneous venous port implantation under guidance of imaging methods: Single centre experience

Abstract

The aim of this study is to present our experience about subcutaneous venous ports placed under guidance of imaging method. In this study, the records of interventional radiology unit were reviewed and 150 consecutive subjects, who underwent subcutaneous venous port implantation under guidance of imaging methods between the dates of 01.03.2007 and 04.09.2008 were presented. Patients were evaluated in terms of technical success, perioperative and late term complications. Thecnical success was 100%. None of the subjects had perioperative (first 30 days) complication. During long term follow-up, 3 subjects had skin necrosis and 4 subjects had infection related with catheter (2.6%). Rate of catheter sepsis calculated ad 1.3%. Complication which required extraction of port (skin necrosis, infection) occurred in 7 subjects (4.6%). One hundred and twenty one (121) of the patients are still alive and their ports are functional. Due to low rates of perioperative and early term complication, if there are qualified staff and adequate equipment, technique of subcutaneous venous port placement under guidance of imaging method should be preferred instead of landmark technique.