A report of an unexpected complication of PORT-A-CATH insertion. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: El-Helou, Etienne; Kansoun, Alaa; Terro, Jad J.; Neaimeh, Geroges Robert; Naccour, Jessica
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery case reports. Volume 86(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: PORT-A-CATH -- Recurrent laryngeal nerve -- Nerve palsy -- Laryngoscopy -- Case report; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2021.106373
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-2612

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Vascular access is essential in the management of patients, and sometimes poses a problem, especially in patients requiring chronic treatment. Surgical insertion of the port-a-cath solved this problem by providing easy access, but unfortunately, it's associated with some complications. Case presentation: We present a case of 32 year-old woman, diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, admitted for insertion of a port-a-cath for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A few hours after the operation, the patient developed hoarseness and a cough. A flexible laryngoscope showed the left vocal cord which was fixed in the middle position and did not move, while the other maintained normal motility. The patient was treated conservatively. Conclusion: This case demonstrated a rare and unexpected complication of the insertion of a port-a-cath, which is the result of an injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. We are reporting this case to encourage physicians to take note of this complication and know how to manage it. Highlights: Vascular access is primary in the management of patients Insertion of an implantable chamber catheter is used mainly for chemotherapy It is considered a safe surgical intervention Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve can cause vocal cord paralysis In most cases they recover by themselves