Cocuk Cerrahisi Dergisi, vol.35, no.3, pp.124-131, 2021 (Scopus)
Objective: Permanent tunneled central venous catheters are required for long-term treatment, of the chronic diseases facility in the daily blood sampling. The aim of this study is to evaluate our results regarding the placement via ultrasonography (USG) of permanent tunneled catheter in children and to convey our experience. Method: The files of patients who were placed with USG-guided permanent tunneled catheters in our clinic between 2015 and 2020 years were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic characteristics of the patients, catheter complications and catheter length of stay were evaluated. Results: A total of 461 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the group was 10.6 ± 4.04 years. During the study period, 525 catheters had been inserted. A total of 56 catheter revisions were performed due to complications, and 8 catheters were reinserted due to relapse. Catheter infections were the common cause of catheter revisions (55.3% n = 31). While the catheter longevity ranged from 1 to 489 days, the average longevity was found 204 ± 119 days. The total catheter days was found 107,165 days. A total of 360 catheter-related infections were detected. Staphylococcus aureus (n = 104) was the most frequently isolated microorganism. Conclusion: Perioperative complication rates of USG-guided catheterization are significantly lower. It can be used safely in all pediatric patients without age limit. Catheter infections can be minimized with trained staff. Problems related to catheter bending can be reduced if just the preferred insertion side is used at the cervical region just above the clavicle.