Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine long-term complications developing in venous port catheters inserted in oncological
patients.
Patients and methods: A total of 205 oncology patients (124 males, 81 females; mean age: 50.1±22.3 years; range, 6 months to 90 years) in
whom vascular port catheters were inserted between March 2015 and April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The first preference for port
catheter application was the right internal jugular vein. If failed, the contralateral internal jugular vein was used. The procedure was carried
out in the operating room with ultrasound (US) guidance under general anesthesia. All patients were evaluated in terms of pneumothorax,
catheter orientation, and kinking and malposition after the procedure.
Results: A total 219 vascular ports were inserted in 205 patients. The indication for port catheter insertion was the receipt of long-term
chemotherapy. Catheters were changed in four patients due to infection and in five patients due to catheter migration. The sites of catheter
migration were the right atrium in two, the right ventricle in one, the main pulmonary artery in one, and the right pulmonary artery in one
patient.
Conclusion: Port catheter insertion under US guidance is a well-designed procedure which can be performed with low complication rates
by an experienced surgeon in an aseptic environment. Even if complications develop, they can be usually successfully treated in most cases.
Key words: Chemotherapy, complication, port, ultrasound, venous access.
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