Objectives: We previously reported a 10% rate of catheter complications, including inflow obstruction and infection, using a fenestrated catheter to administer intraperitoneal (i.p.) chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Because of recent reports of higher rates of catheter complications, we performed this study to update our experience with the fenestrated catheter.
Methods: We reviewed the medical records of all patients who had a fenestrated catheter placed at our institution from 5/97-5/06. Data were collected regarding patient demographics, surgical procedure, timing of catheter insertion, and reasons for discontinuing i.p. chemotherapy.
Results: We identified 342 patients who had fenestrated catheters placed and for whom follow-up data were available. Nine patients (3%) required discontinuation of chemotherapy due to catheter complications. Three patients experienced catheter infection, 5 patients had inflow obstruction, and 1 patient's port could not be accessed. Seventy-one patients (21%) discontinued i.p. chemotherapy for reasons unrelated to the catheter. The percentage of patients who completed the intended chemotherapy regimen was similar for patients who underwent a bowel resection (22/30 [73%]) compared to those who had not (226/312 [72%]) (P=1.0).
Conclusions: The fenestrated catheter for i.p. chemotherapy continues to be associated with a low risk of catheter-related complications. The low rate of complications, even in the setting of bowel resection and increase in utilization during upfront chemotherapy, suggest that the fenestrated catheter is still a feasible method for the administration of i.p. chemotherapy.