Experiences and outcomes of peripherally inserted central venous catheters in complex surgical cases at a tertiary referral hospital in Peru

Abstract

Objective: To describe the experience of interventional procedures using peripherally inserted central venous catheters in pediatric patients at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja (INSNSB).

Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 54 patients with central venous catheters inserted between January and December 2022. The study encompassed parameters such as age, sex, diagnosis, indications for catheter use, duration of the insertion procedure, catheter dwell time, complications, catheter diameter used, insertion site, catheter indication, and reasons for withdrawal.

Results: Out of the 54 patients with central venous catheters, 80.30 % were in the early childhood group, and 57.40 % were women. The majority of insertions occurred in the Pediatric Surgical Hospitalization Service (29.60 %). The most common diagnosis was digestive surgical diseases (27.78 %), and the main reason for catheter insertion was continuous treatment for more than 7 days (68.52 %). The basilic vein was most frequently used for insertion (48.15 %), with an average procedure time of 92.5 minutes. 72.20 % of patients were sedated during insertion, and 77.80 % experienced no complications during the procedure. However, 51.90 % developed subsequent complications, with the average catheter dwell time being 15 days. The primary reason for catheter withdrawal was complications (53.70 %), followed by medical discharge (22.20 %).

Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of maintaining peripherally inserted central venous catheters to extend their duration in pediatric patients at INSNSB. We recommend the implementation of more comprehensive epidemiological studies to identify associations and risk factors linked to the maintenance of PICCs in pediatric patients in Peru.