[Terminal care of cancer patients using an implanted venous reservoir]

Eighty-two terminal cancer patients were treated with implanted venous reservoirs using a Groshong catheter. Sixty-seven out of 82 (77%) patients were temporarily discharged or stayed at home on weekends. The mean hospital stay of these implanted patients at death was shorter than that of non-implanted patients (31 +/- 44 vs 51 +/- 46 days, p = 0.1187). Laboratory data of the blood drawn through the port showed no significant difference from the peripheral blood, meaning a potential benefit in reducing the number of punctures. This reservoir also allowed the patients infusion-free time and bathing without any special dressing. These experiences demonstrate that implanted venous reservoirs have many benefits for terminal cancer patients.