Port-exposure management of totally implantable venous access ports: A case report

Abstract

Totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAP) are widely utilized in chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, and long-lasting intravenous therapy in cancer patients. However, port exposure occurs due to skin damage around the port. Thus, managing port exposure is of great importance; however, it is full of challenges. We reported two cases of port exposure due to TIVAP. In these two patients, the catheters were inserted into the internal jugular or axillary vein under local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance and were connected to the port implanted on the ipsilateral chest through the subcutaneous tunnel. Chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy were administered using these ports. During the treatment intermission, the ports of two patients were partially exposed. Hence, external fixation of the port exposure approach was utilized to successfully retain the TIVAP through collaborative discussion. These findings provide good references for the prevention and management of postoperative port-exposure complications associated with TIVAP in patients with cancer.