[Perioperative high-caloric alimentation with the central venous catheter. Prospective study in 404 patients]

Peri-operative high-calorie nutrition was administered, through a total of 500 catheters introduced into the superior vena cava via the subclavian vein, to 404 patients admitted to hospital for gastro-intestinal cancer resection or other major abdominal operations, some of them taking a complicated course. Most of the catheters remained in situ for 6-20 days; the longest period was 44 days. Catheter insertion was successful in 97.8%. Faulty position of the catheter occurred in 4.4%; in 2.8% it was rectified under fluoroscopic control. In 92.2% there were no complications ascribable to the catheter. A pneumothorax resulted in 1.4% of patients, central thrombosis in 0.4%. Catheter-related sepsis was noted in 6.2%.