COMPLICATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH VENOUS PORT SYSTEMS - PREVENTION ANDTHERAPY

Post-operative difficulties apart, venous thrombosis, extravasation an d dislocation, obstruction, catheter leakage and local and systemic in fections are the typical complications associated with venous port sys tems. Such complications considerably reduce the benefits otherwise ac cruing from a reliable access to the venous system of patients with ma lignant tumours, The vast majority of such disadvantages are attributa ble to the inexpert handling of ports and, therefore, should be avoida ble. This applies to such areas as selecting the right port system, th e proper installation of the port chamber and catheter and also to eff icient handling and maintenance by trained staff. In many cases it wil l be possible, with the help of a specific diagnostic investigation, t o identify and correct a fault and thus ensure that the system install ed 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.