USE OF PORT-A-CATH IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY: BARRIERS, RISKS, AND STRATEGIES TO REDUCE COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Pediatric oncology presents specific challenges related to the prolonged and invasive treatment of children with cancer, requiring strategies that ensure safety and comfort in venous access. The Port-a-Cath, a totally implantable catheter, has been widely used for the infusion of chemotherapy, blood products, and parenteral nutrition, providing a reduction in peripheral punctures and greater therapeutic stability. This study aimed to analyze barriers, risks, and strategies for preventing complications associated with the use of Port-a-Cath in pediatric oncology patients. This is a narrative, descriptive, and analytical literature review with a qualitative approach, conducted between September and November 2025 in the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. National and international articles, guidelines, and documents published between 2000 and 2025 involving children and adolescents undergoing Port-a-Cath use were included. The results show that the main complications include catheter-related infections (CLABSI), obstructions, thrombosis, and device migration, frequently associated with technical failures, gaps in professional training, and institutional barriers. Effective preventive strategies include the implementation of standardized protocols, prevention bundles, hand hygiene, proper flushing, chlorhexidine dressings, and continuous monitoring. The discussion indicates that the systematic adoption of these practices, combined with ongoing education of the multidisciplinary team and the strengthening of a safety culture, significantly reduces adverse events. It is concluded that the safe use of Port-a-Cath depends on the integration of technical competence, evidence-based protocols, and institutional support, promoting quality of care and therapeutic adherence in pediatric oncology.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/edimpacto2025.091-025