[Infections of central venous catheters]

The central venous catheter is considered the lifeline of patients requiring long-term parenteral nutrition, and its infectious complications accordingly represent a frequent cause for hospitalization and morbidity. Modern catheters made of Silastic increase the duration and efficiency of venous access, but their substitution is also more complex and expensive. In a small series of patients undergoing home parenteral nutrition due to short bowel syndrome, and carrying. Silastic catheters, infection of the cannula was treated by administration of systemic as well as local antimicrobial agents. The septic process was resolved without the need of removing the catheters, and with excellent tolerance to the medications. It is concluded that in-situ sterilization of long-term catheters should be attempted in selected cases.