[Protocol for use of subcutaneous reservoir in a gynecological oncology unit]

Use of subcutaneous reservoir has been extended in recent years in response to the need of chronic intravenous treatments. Some cancer patients and need to have a venous access maintained. In them is not advisable to use a peripheral vein, the sclerosing effect and/or irritating on the endothelium have many of the drugs administered, and the numerous venous punctures to which are often subjected. In this regard, the establishment of a permanent subcutaneous reservoir at the central level can obtain blood samples and administer all types of intravenous therapies. Although it also has the advantage of a low incidence of infections, the possibility of outpatient use and well accepted by patients. The system consists of a silicone venous catheter that is placed below the subcutaneous tissue and provides a vascular access, easy to find, secure and durable. Despite its frequent use today, this technique is not completely without risk, and among the possible complications of infectious diseases, thrombosis, catheter migration, occlusion, pneumothorax or vascular erosion. The aim of this study was to describe the protocol using the subcutaneous reservoir held in the unit of gynecologic oncology, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves in Granada.