A summary and analysis of 20 cases of total implantation venous access port via a left-sided approach based on a single surgeon's five years of experience

Objective A review of 20 cases of total implantation venous access port (TIVAP) implantation via a left-sided approach provides valuable clinical experience and enables port placement physicians to assess the suitability of different approaches, thereby improving the feasibility and safety of port implantation. Methods The clinical data of 20 patients who underwent total venous access port implantation via a left-sided approach at the Department of Oncology and Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from April 2019 to November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. These data included patients' baseline characteristics, examination results, surgical procedures, perioperative conditions and long-term complications. Results The mean age of the 20 patients at the time of port placement was 57.7 years (range 41–79 years). The primary diseases were lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal malignancy, pancreatic cancer, rectal cancer, lymphoma, breast cancer, and colon cancer. The primary causes of left-sided port placement were venous compression (40%), followed by venous variations (30%), operative area-related factors (25%), and venous embolism (5%). Catheter obstruction occurred in one patient (5%), while no complications were observed in the remaining 19 patients (95%). The mean duration of port placement was 219 days (range: 25–690 days). Conclusion Left-sided TIVAP implantation is a safe and feasible alternative when right-sided access is contraindicated. Careful preoperative imaging evaluation and individualized access selection are essential to minimize complications. This case series provides practical guidance for port placement in complex clinical scenarios and may assist clinicians in selecting appropriate access routes.