Infections Related to Totally Implantable Venous-Access Ports: Long-Term Experience in One Center

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of infections associated with totally implantable venous-access ports (TIVAPs) in our hospital. From April 2007 through November 2013, a total of 1,026 patients with TIVAP were included in this study. We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of port-related infection, patient characteristics, and history. Risk factors for IVAP-related infection were determined statistically. Overall, 97 (9.59 %) of 1,026 infectious cases were reported. By reviewing the medical record of the patients, we found that younger age, hematogenous malignancy, and palliative chemotherapy were associated with higher infection incidence rate in patients who had implanted TIVAP (P < 0.05) in the subgroup analysis. In contrast, gender and insertion site were irrelevant factors in predicting the infection risk. Overall, TIVAP were proved to be safe and effective. Younger age, hematogenous malignancy, and palliative chemotherapy were associated with higher infection in patients who had implanted TIVAP.