Complications of Port A Cath implantation: A single institution experience

ObjectivesTo determine the complications associated with Port A Cath insertion in cancer patients.MethodsThe records 250 patients, who received a subcutaneous port catheter between 2009 and 2013, were analyzed retrospectively with regard to implantation complications and complications in the course of Port A Cath use.ResultsThe average duration over which the Port A Cath remained in place was 22 months. Postoperative complications occurred in 29 patients (11.6%); of these, 4 (1.6%) were perioperative and 25 (10%) were long-term complications.Perioperative complications were in the form of inadvertent arterial rupture. Long-term complications included the following: infection in 10 patients (4%), mechanical failure in 5 patients (2%), thrombosis in 4 patients (1.6%), suture disruption in 3 patients (1.2%), extravasation in 2 patients (0.8%), and catheter migration in one patient (0.4%).ConclusionPort A Cath implantation is associated with some risk of serious complications. Care of the catheter and the patient should be maintained to decrease the risk of complications.