Amr Elgehiny1, Khaled Ghanem2, Haytham Bou Hussein1, Mohamed Ahmed3, Mostafa Abohelwa4, Mohsen Aboelella1, Mohamed Mohamed3, Fadi Bitar1, Miguel Abboud1, Samir Akel5, Aghiad Al-Kutoubi6, Ghina Fakhri1, Mariam Arabi1. 1. Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. 2. Children's Cancer Institute, Beirut, Lebanon. 3. Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. 4. Department of Internal medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. 5. Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. 6. Department of Radiology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Port-a-Cath or chemoport provides prolonged central venous access for cancer patients requiring prolonged chemotherapy. Prolonged use of chemoport is associated with many complications. Dislodgement and migration of chemoport catheter is a rare and reportable complication with potentially serious consequences. METHODS: The medical charts of 1222 paediatric cancer patients admitted to the Children's Cancer Center in Lebanon who had chemoports inserted for long-term chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive analysis of data was conducted. RESULTS: Chemoport fracture and migration were found in seven cases with an incidence of 0.57%. The duration of chemoport use before the event of dislodgement varied from 2 months to 102 months. Non-functioning chemoport was the most common presentation. Totally, six cases were managed successfully by loop snaring, three cases by paediatric cardiology team, and three cases by interventional radiology team. One case was managed surgically during chemoport removal. CONCLUSION: Fracture and migration of chemoport catheter is a rare complication of uncertain aetiology and with potentially serious consequences. Percutaneous retrieval, done by experienced cardiologist or interventional radiologist, is the first choice for management of this complication as it is considered as a safe and effective approach.
INTRODUCTION: Port-a-Cath or chemoport provides prolonged central venous access for cancerpatients requiring prolonged chemotherapy. Prolonged use of chemoport is associated with many complications. Dislodgement and migration of chemoport catheter is a rare and reportable complication with potentially serious consequences. METHODS: The medical charts of 1222 paediatric cancerpatients admitted to the Children's Cancer Center in Lebanon who had chemoports inserted for long-term chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive analysis of data was conducted. RESULTS: Chemoport fracture and migration were found in seven cases with an incidence of 0.57%. The duration of chemoport use before the event of dislodgement varied from 2 months to 102 months. Non-functioning chemoport was the most common presentation. Totally, six cases were managed successfully by loop snaring, three cases by paediatric cardiology team, and three cases by interventional radiology team. One case was managed surgically during chemoport removal. CONCLUSION:Fracture and migration of chemoport catheter is a rare complication of uncertain aetiology and with potentially serious consequences. Percutaneous retrieval, done by experienced cardiologist or interventional radiologist, is the first choice for management of this complication as it is considered as a safe and effective approach.