A safe and effective method to implant a totally implantable access port in patients with synchronous bilateral mastectomies: Modified femoral vein approach

Background The purpose of this study was to develop a modified method to implant a totally implantable access port (TIAP) using the femoral vein approach. Methods We designed a modified method using the femoral vein approach to implant a TIAP in patients with synchronous bilateral breast cancer requiring bilateral mastectomy and postoperative chemotherapy. TIAP implantation was performed with parenteral sedation and local anesthesia in the operating room. All patients were followed for at least 12 months and the complications of TIAP were recorded. Results In this retrospective study, 86 patients received the TIAP using the modified femoral vein approach. All patients had a history of bilateral breast cancer and underwent bilateral mastectomy. The early complication rate within the first 30 postoperative days was 2.3% and involved groin hematoma caused by missed puncture to the femoral artery during the operation. The late postoperative complication rates were 2.3% caused by local port infection, 1.2% by groin wound infection, and 3.5% by catheter occlusion. There were no complications associated with TIAP disconnection or systemic infection. Conclusion Traditional implantation of TIAP through the subclavian vein or cephalic vein is simple and is used worldwide. However, both the percutaneous puncture and cutdown methods have limitations and risks. We describe a safe and effective method using the modified femoral vein approach for specific patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:?–?. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.