Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The use of vascular ports in oncology patients for the administration of irritating and chemotherapeutic drugs clearly solves the problem of peripheral vascular damage caused by oncological drugs, and at the same time provides a comfortable way of treating patients in the long term. Although there are risks associated with the long-term maintenance of implanted ports, any risk factors for infection associated with an implantable intravenous port should be minimized. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The main purpose of the study was to investigate the reasons for removal of vascular ports in patients undergoing systemic treatment at the wards of the University Clinical Hospital. Patients who had a vascular port implanted for the duration of their therapy were monitored for complications that had become the reason for removing the implants within 24 months of implantation. RESULTS: The main reason for removing a vascular port was the conclusion of therapy (82.7%). The second reason for removing the ports was infection (13.5%), which, despite the use of rigorous procedures, could not be avoided due to the significant reduction in immunity in patients treated with oncological drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their limitations in oncological treatment, ports have no alternatives, and thus further technological progress is essential. Education of staff working with patients with implants allows an increase in the benefits of therapy in the long run and significantly improves the quality of life of oncological patients. The education of patients and their families, as well as frequent re-training of staff, provides greater opportunities to minimize the side effects of therapy and reduce the number of adverse reactions related to infections.