[Port-catheter perforation into the duodenum and other early complications after port implantation before intra-arterial infusion therapy of the liver with chemotherapeutic drugs]

Abstract

Early complications following implantation of intraarterial hepatic port catheter systems from 1985 to 1988 in 24 patients are reported with special view to the perforation of a port catheter into the duodenum. In this case the primary postoperative angiographic control four weeks after implantation showed correct placement and perfusion of the liver. The perforation occurred before starting any cytostatic regimen. We observed a total of 21% irregularities and complications: dislocation of port membrane (n = 1), incorrect catheter displacement but regular liver perfusion (n = 1), catheter leakage (n = 1), subhepatic abscess (n = 1) and perforation of the catheter in the duodenum. When possible we combine port-implantation with resection of the liver.