[Analysis of complications associated with catheter intraperitoneal chemotherapy of ovarian carcinoma]

115 patients suffering from ovarian carcinoma were admitted from May 1976 through August 1991, and were treated with intra-peritoneal chemotherapy. A total of 191 catheters which with 2mm in diameter and 50 cm in length were inserted with 608 courses of chemotherapy. 29 plastic catheters used by 29 patients were kept for 18.4 days averagely, while 162 silica catheters used by 86 patients were kept 109 days in average. The duration of keeping silica catheters was significantly longer than plastic catheters (P < 0.01). Complications were found in 29 patients, 25.2% of the total: 5 cases of infection (4.3%), 2 of partial intestinal obstruction (1.7%), 4 of painful sensation (3.5%), 12 with inflow obstruction (10.4%) and 6 with falling off of the catheters (5.2%). Complications between the two groups were compared. There was no statistical significance (P < 0.05). When catheter retainment times of the two groups were compared, significant differences were found between plastic and silica catheters (P < 0.001). Our results indicate that both kinds of catheters may be used in intraperitoneal chemotherapy of ovarian cancer patients, and the silica ones seem better.