Evaluation of outcomes and complications following ultrasound-guided chemoport insertions by surgeons in cancer patients: a retrospective study

Purpose: This study is the first to report on the initial experience of surgeons using ultrasound guidance to implant central venous chemotherapy ports in cancer patients, addressing a lack of data in the Nepalese region. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study conducted among patients who underwent ultrasonography-guided central chemoport insertion by the same team of surgeons at a tertiary-level hospital. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia in the operating theater. Results: A total of 41 patients with ages ranging from 38 to 82 years and a median age of 59 years were included in the study. Cannulation was successful in 100% of cases. The right internal jugular vein was cannulated in 40 patients (97.6%). The indications were neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and palliative chemotherapy in 30%, 58%, and 12% of cases, respectively. Successful cannulation was achieved in a single attempt in 28 patients (68.3%), while 12 patients (29.3%) required a double attempt. Nine patients (22.0%) had skin infections, two patients (4.9%) developed kinking of the catheter, one patient (2.4%) experienced a blockage of the catheter, and one patient (2.4%) had a catheter tip fracture that migrated to the right atrium. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided chemoport insertion by experienced surgeons has favorable outcomes. Complications can range from minor to severe, even life-threatening. Early identification of complications and appropriate management are recommended.