Risk factor for occlusion of central venous access port system in colon cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose: It is critical to reduce complications associated with the central venous access port (CV-port) system for patients who were treated with chemotherapy or palliative care. Methods: From October 2006 to December 2011, 68 colon cancer patients who were treated with outpatient chemotherapy via a CV-port in the Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital, were analyzed retrospectively. Results: CV-port related complications occurred in 20 (29.4%) patients. No blood could be aspirated in 15 patients when treated via a CV-port. Among the patients with no blood aspiration from their CV-port, ten cases had no complications other than failure of blood aspiration, and anticancer agents have been successfully administered. However, the other five patients had their CV-port system replaced due to complications. Subclavian and left side insertions were the risk factors for catheter occlusion or inability to aspirate blood. Conclusion: Medical staffs should be aware that approximately one-third of the cases with no blood aspiration potentially have troubles with their CV-ports that need to be replaced.