Trapezius port placement in patients with breast cancer: Long-term follow-up and quality-of-life assessment

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term results of and patient satisfaction with trapezius ports in breast cancer patients, as an alternative to chest ports. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included all patients who underwent trapezius port placement from December 2007 to January 2017. Seventy female patients with breast cancer, with a mean age of 54 +/- 9.9 years (range, 29-76 years), were included. Indications for trapezius implantation were bilateral breast surgery or unilateral breast surgery and contralateral breast involvement. Sixty-eight of 70 patients had long-term follow-up. A retrospective, questionnaire-based survey was conducted to assess satisfaction and the trapezius port's effect on the daily life of the patient. Results: All implantations were technically successful. Total catheter service time for 68 patients was 65,952 days (2 patients were lost to follow-up). Mean catheter service time was 969.8 days (range 7-3,458 days; median 570 days; 95% confidence interval, 739-1199; standard deviation, 947.7). No immediate procedural complications occurred. Port complications developed in 4 patients (5.9%); port infection developed in 2 patients (0.03/1,000 days); skin dehiscence developed in 1 patient (0.02/1,000 days); and port malfunction developed in 1 patient (0.02/1,000 days). The overall infection rate was 2.9% (2/68). All patients (n = 44) or a close relative (n = 17) who were interviewed with a phone call reported satisfaction regarding their ports. Conclusions: Trapezius ports offer a safe and feasible option to patients with breast cancer who need an alternative site to chest ports. It is also associated with high overall patient satisfaction.