Port type is a possible risk factor for implantable venous access port-related bloodstream infections and no sign of local infection predicts the growth of gram-negative bacilli.

BACKGROUND: Implantable venous access port (IVAP)-related blood stream infections (BSIs) are one of the most common complications of implantable venous ports. The risk factors and pathogens for IVAP-related BSIs are still controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who received IVAPs at a Hospital in Taiwan from January 1, 2011 to June 31, 2014. Two types of venous port, BardPort® 6.6 fr (Bard port) and Autosuture Chemosite® 7.5 fr (TYCO port) were used. All patients with clinically proven venous port-related BSIs were enrolled. RESULTS: A total of 552 patients were enrolled. There were 34 episodes of IVAP-related BSIs during the study period for a total incidence of 0.177 events/1000 catheter days. Port type (TYCO vs. Bard, HR = 7.105 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.688-29.904), p = 0.0075), age > 65 years (HR = 2.320 (95 % CI, 1.179-4.564), p = 0.0148), and lung cancer (HR = 5.807 (95% CI, 2.946-11.447), p < 0.001) were risk factors for port infections. We also found that no local sign of infection was significantly associated with the growth of gram-negative bacilli (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: TYCO venous ports, age > 65 years, and lung cancer were all significant risk factors for IVAP-related BSIs, and no sign of infection was significantly associated with the growth of gram-negative bacilli.

Risk factors for venous port migration in a single institute in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: An implantable port device provides an easily accessible central route for long-term chemotherapy. Venous catheter migration is one of the rare complications of venous port implantation. It can lead to side effects such as pain in the neck, shoulder, or ear, venous thrombosis, and even life-threatening neurologic problems. To date, there are few published studies that discuss such complications. METHODS: This retrospective study of venous port implantation in a single center, a Taiwan hospital, was conducted from January 2011 to March 2013. Venous port migration was recorded along with demographic and characteristics of the patients. RESULTS: Of 298 patients with an implantable import device, venous port migration had occurred in seven, an incidence rate of 2.3%. All seven were male and had received the Bard port Fr 6.6 which had smaller size than TYCO port Fr 7.5 and is made of silicon. Significantly, migration occurred in male patients (P = 0.0006) and in those with lung cancer (P = 0.004). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that lung cancer was a significant risk factor for port migration (odds ratio: 11.59; P = 0.0059). The migration rate of the Bard port Fr 6.6 was 6.7%. The median time between initial venous port implantation and port migration was 35.4 days (range, 7 to 135 days) and 71.4% (5/7) of patients had port migration within 30 days after initial port implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Male sex and lung cancer are risk factors for venous port migration. The type of venous port is also an important risk factor.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for splenomegaly using a homemade retrieval BAG.

INTRODUCTION: Operating on an enlarged spleen via the laparoscopic approach presents several challenges. A homemade bag may facilitate retrieval of the enlarged spleen assisted by a laparoscope and save medical expense. AIM: To assess the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy for moderate or massive splenomegaly using our technique and a homemade retrieval bag. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for moderate or massive splenomegaly which was defined as the major axis exceeding 17 cm by abdominal computed tomography. A homemade retrieval bag made from a commercial sterile infusion container which costs about US$ 1-2 per piece was used for spleen retrieval. Two transabdominal sutures for suspension of the retrieval bag were made to aid specimen removal in this technique. RESULTS: There were 31 males and 19 females with mean age of 56 ±11 years. Laparoscopic splenectomy was successfully completed in 49 of these 50 patients. Overall, mean operative time was 149 ±31 min (range: 100-252 min). Median estimated blood loss was 189 ±155 ml (range: 50-920 ml). There were 12 minor complications but no mortality. Time to discharge after surgery ranged from 3 to 9 (mean: 4.7 ±1.7 days). The average splenic weight was 729 ±74 g (range: 632-930 g). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results indicate that laparoscopic splenectomy is feasible and safe for moderate or massive splenomegaly and may be a well-tolerated alternative to open splenectomy. Not only is the cost of our homemade retrieval bag low, but also it is easy to make and ready to use.

Laparoscopic management for acute malignant colonic obstruction.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of staged laparoscopic colectomy for acute malignant colon obstruction. METHODS: Through a laparoscopic approach, emergency blowhole colostomy and subsequent elective resection were performed. RESULTS: There were 14 men and 8 women, ages ranging from 42 to 79 years. All patients underwent laparoscopic blowhole colostomy for fecal diversion. Of these stomas, 6 were located at the splenic flexure, 7 at the descending colon, and 9 at the sigmoid colon. Subsequently, 20 of the 22 patients achieved an elective laparoscopic resection including takedown of the stoma. They were left hemicolectomy in 11 and anterior resection in 9. The mean total length of hospital stay was 20 ± 4.6 days (range, 16 to 33 d) in these 20 patients. The remaining 2 patients did not undergo reversal of the colostomy. The median follow-up period was 23 months. Seven patients died of disease progression and 15 patients remained alive and well. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that staged laparoscopic colon resection is a feasible and effective technique for acute malignant colonic obstruction. The length of hospital stay is justified as compared with conventional single-staged resection. Our technique can also be recommended when colonic stenting is not available.