Background: Totally implanted access ports (PACs) are valuable tools for the treatment of patients with cancer because they ease the administration of chemotherapy, stem cells, and supportive care by reducing the rate of peripheral vein punctures.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction and impairments of activities of daily living of ambulatory patients with PAC systems receiving chemotherapy.
Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study evaluated 202 patients with PAC systems in a comprehensive cancer center and cancer rehabilitation center. From November 2012 to August 2013, patients were invited to answer a questionnaire concerning quality of life and satisfaction with their PAC devices. Data regarding PAC-related complications were collected retrospectively by searching patients' medical history.
Findings: A total of 202 patients with 230 PAC devices were included. Median time from PAC implantation to inclusion in the study was nine months. Surgical complications occurred in some cases, with bleeding and hematoma being the most frequently observed events. Late complications consisted of infections, drug extravasation, PAC malposition, PAC malfunction, and thrombosis. A third of the patients reported that their PAC interfered with activities of daily living. However, most agreed that PAC systems alleviated the burden of chemotherapy administration, and the vast majority said they would choose the implantation of a PAC system for chemotherapy administration again.
Keywords: catheter-associated infection; quality of life; totally implanted access ports.