Celsite port and catheter as an intraperitoneal access device in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In ovarian cancer, development of safe and effective methods for providing long-term access to the peritoneal cavity has become increasingly important. METHODS: A modified Port-A-Cath (Celsite-port and catheters, B. Braun, Chasseneuil, France) was used in 56 patients with presumed epithelial ovarian cancer at the conclusion of primary or second-look laparotomy. In 37 patients, ports were located on the right costal margin in the midclavicular region and in 19 in the xiphoid region. RESULTS: In 56 catheters, 8 (13.8%) complications of severe or moderate degree during the treatment were registered. In-flow obstruction of device occurred in 6 patients, and there was 1 viscous perforation and 1 catheter related 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 comparatively low.