Published online Jun 1, 2004. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i11.1659
Revised: February 8, 2004
Accepted: February 18, 2004
Published online: June 1, 2004
AIM: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the intraarterial chemotherapy of the liver cancer by an interventional method, catheter-port system.
METHODS: Thirty-two catheter-port systems were implanted percutaneously via the femoral artery or subclavian artery. Chemotherapies were performed 0-5 d after the implantation of the catheter-port systems. The mean interval between two sequent chemotherapies was 4 wk. The occurrence of side effects of the implantation was examined clinically.
RESULTS: Implantation of the catheter-port was successful in all patients. Mean patency period was 210 d. One occlusion (3.1%) of the catheter was observed. Displacement of the catheter was observed in one case (3.1%). One patient rated a hematoma in the chest wall as important. Mild hematoma was reported in 8 cases (25%). In 3 of 32 cases (9.4%), mild pain was reported initially, and dysesthesia was reported in seven (21.9%). No patient rated overall discomfort as mild, severe, or important.
CONCLUSION: Percutaneous placement is feasible and safe for liver regional continuous chemotherapy. Compared with surgical placement, the overall complication rate is comparable or less.