Trapezius Port Placement in Patients with Breast Cancer: Long-Term Follow-up and Quality-of-Life Assessment

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the long-term results of and patient satisfaction with trapezius ports in breast cancer patients, as an alternative to chest ports. Patients and Methods This retrospective study included all patients who underwent trapezius port placement from December 2007 to January 2017. Seventy female patients with breast cancer, with a mean age of 54 ± 9.9 years (range, 29–76 years), were included. Indications for trapezius implantation were bilateral breast surgery or unilateral breast surgery and contralateral breast involvement. Sixty-eight of 70 patients had long-term follow-up. A retrospective, questionnaire-based survey was conducted to assess satisfaction and the trapezius port’s effect on the daily life of the patient. Results All implantations were technically successful. Total catheter service time for 68 patients was 65,952 days (2 patients were lost to follow-up). Mean catheter service time was 969.8 days (range 7–3,458 days; median 570 days; 95% confidence interval, 739–1199; standard deviation, 947.7). No immediate procedural complications occurred. Port complications developed in 4 patients (5.9%); port infection developed in 2 patients (0.03/1,000 days); skin dehiscence developed in 1 patient (0.02/1,000 days); and port malfunction developed in 1 patient (0.02/1,000 days). The overall infection rate was 2.9% (2/68). All patients (n = 44) or a close relative (n = 17) who were interviewed with a phone call reported satisfaction regarding their ports. Conclusions Trapezius ports offer a safe and feasible option to patients with breast cancer who need an alternative site to chest ports. It is also associated with high overall patient satisfaction.