Common and Uncommon Complications of Chest Port Implantation

Chest ports are essential for long-term venous access in patients requiring chemotherapy, nutrition, or transfusions. Despite their utility, placement and use carry risks. This review summarizes common and uncommon complications to enhance prevention and management.

Complications are grouped into incision-, catheter-, and reservoir-related categories. Incision complications include adhesive dermatitis, suture pseudoinfection, wound dehiscence, and erosion. Catheter issues include arrhythmias, central venous stenosis, fracture, fibrin sheath formation, thrombosis, and migration, each with distinct clinical implications. Reservoir complications such as port flipping and extravasation may interrupt therapy and cause tissue injury. Advances in imaging guidance, port design, and retrieval methods have improved safety, but vigilance is essential. Chest ports are critical in oncologic and supportive care, but complications can undermine patient safety and treatment continuity. Understanding mechanisms, recognizing risks, and implementing preventive strategies are key to optimizing outcomes. Ongoing refinement of procedural techniques and device innovation will further improve reliability and reduce risk.