Celsite (R) port and catheter as an intraperitoneal access device in the treatment of ovarian cancer

Background and Objectives: In ovarian cancer, development of safe and effec tive methods for providing long-term access to the peritoneal cavity has be come increasingly important. Methods: A modified Port-A-Cath (Celsite(R)-port and catheters, B. Braun, C hasseneuil, France) was used in 56 patients with presumed epithelial ovaria n cancer at the conclusion of primary or second-look laparotomy. In 37 pati ents, ports were located on the right costal margin in the midclavicular re gion and in 19 in the xiphoid region. Results: In 56 catheters, 8 (13.8%) complications of severe or moderate deg ree during the treatment were registered. In-flow obstruction of device occ urred in 6 patients, and there was 1 viscous perforation and 1 catheter rel ated infectious peritonitis. Grade III-IV pain and in-flow obstruction were developed in the patients with ports implanted on the right costal margin but not with ports implanted in the xiphoid region. Conclusion: The complication rate of intraperitoneal access devices is comp aratively low. J. Surg. Oncol. 2000;74:223-226. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.