[Experience with implanted venous reservoirs in patients with terminal urological cancers]

The medical records of 8 consecutive patients with terminal urological cancers who were treated with implanted venous reservoirs between October 2001 and July 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. All 8 devices were placed safely in the 8 patients, and fluids and drugs were easily administered via the reservoirs. The devices were utilized for a mean of 40.6 days (range, 18 to 98) until the patients died of the cancer, and there were no complications which required removal of the devices such as catheter or reservoir infections, catheter occlusions and catheter thromboses. Seven patients were discharged or stayed at home on weekends and received home parental nutrition (HPN) through implanted venous reservoirs. Although HPN with the implanted venous reservoir is recently becoming common in digestive surgery or gynecological fields, it still remains uncommon in the urological field. Because this device would be useful and safe for patients with terminal urological cancers, we should consider the use of implanted venous reservoirs for patients who desire terminal home care.