De centraal-veneuze catheter bij de behandeling van patiënten met een maligniteit

- This review describes the role of central venous catheters (CVC's) in the treatment of cancer. Indications and contra-indications for CVC-insertion, CVC-care, their complications, prevention and management are discussed. Totally implantable CVC's have been compared with Hickman-Broviac catheters to facilitate an adequate choice for an individual patient. Both CVC-types showed a similar and low number of complications, provided staff and patients are well instructed and given good care. In such cases infection and thrombosis occur in less than 3-5 of nowadays CVC's. The CVC proved to be useful and safe in cancer treatment and should not be withheld when the patient lacks, or will probably lack within a short time an adequate venous access.