The experience with a totally implanted venous system (TIVS) in 27 cancer patients (15 males and 12 women) is reviewed, stressing simplicity of the cut down technique, which was successfully performed in 92.7% of patients. The common: est complications are described; port infection (7.4%), subclavian vein thrombosis (3.7%), and cutaneous necrosis (3.7%) at the port level. It is concluded that TIVS is a useful device for prolonged drugs administration and the cut down technique is indicated especially in the outpatients setting.