Office Removal of Silastic Catheters and Ports is Safe and Cost Effective

Dual-lumen Silastic catheters and ports are being increasingly implanted for long-term infusion of medications and hyperalimentation and for dialysis. These have traditionally been removed in the operating room. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these catheters and ports could be removed safely in the surgeon's office. The records of all 42 patients who had their catheters and ports removed in the operating room in 1991 were reviewed. No episodes of pulmonary or air embolism, bleeding problems, infections, or returns to the Emergency Department after removal were reported. One seroma developed in a port site after removal. No reason could be found for not doing these procedures in the surgeon's office. Between January 1, 1992 and July 31, 1996, 169 catheters were removed in the office. Forty-nine ports were removed in the office and 12 were removed in an outpatient surgery center by one surgeon who did not feel comfortable doing this procedure in the office. No patients suffered any embolic or bleeding complications, and none returned to the office or Emergency Department for problems. One patient developed a persistent draining sinus after removal of a contaminated catheter. Surgical charges were $273 for removal in the office or operating room. Charges for use of the surgery center were $1,000. Office removal of Silastic catheters and ports is extremely safe and cost efficient. This method results in convenience for the patient and saves time for the surgeon.