Complications after removal of totally implanted central venous access devices: A single-center retrospective study

Complications after removal of totally implanted vascular access devices. (TIVADs) have not been studied widely. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of these complications.

This was a single-center retrospective study conducted in Gustave Roussy hospital in Villejuif, Ile-de-France, France. All adult patients scheduled for TIVAD removal between January 2015 and November 2019 were eligible for the study. The record of complications was compiled by noting the reason for a surgical or emergency department consultation during the month following removal, and also by calling the patients during the week of TIVAD removal to assess whether surgical advice was needed.

There were 2533 included patients, representing 2583 TIVAD removals. The prevalence of complications was 1.47% (n = 38), of which 0.31% were infectious complications (n = 8). These complications required surgical or interventional radiology management in 50% of cases. In multivariate analysis, two independent risk factors were associated with these complications: the duration of the surgical procedure (p = 0.04) and the active status of the underlying malignant disease (p = 0.07).

Complications after TIVAD removal are uncommon (prevalence = 1.47%), but their morbidity appears to be high, with interventional procedures frequently needed. The duration of the removal procedure and the active status of cancer appear to be associated with the occurrence of complications.