[Long-term experiences with central venous catheters in pediatric oncology]

93 central venous catheters (77 Broviac und 16 ports) were inserted in 79 children with malignant diseases between 1980 and 1988. The median duration of use for Broviac was 5.8 months (0.2-24 months) and for ports 7.5 months (0.8-44 months). The total duration of use was 14 658 days for Broviac catheters and 5970 days for ports. The most frequent complications were dislogements, obstructions and infections. They were observed in 19 out of 77 Broviac catheters (25%) and in 5 out of 16 ports (31%). Because of complications 17 out of 93 catheters were prematurely removed. Complication rates were not significantly different in both systems. The incidence of infections in Broviac catheters was 5% or 0.27 per 1000 days of use, respectively, which is lower than reported by other studies. The consistency in catheter-care procedures can decrease the rates of complications.