A Prospective Study on Complications of Central Venous Catheter Insertion in Surgical Patients

Abstract

Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is a common procedure in surgical patients for administering medications, fluids, blood products, and hemodynamic monitoring. Despite its benefits, the procedure is associated with various complications, including mechanical, infectious, and thrombotic events. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the incidence and types of complications related to CVC insertion in surgical patients. Over six months, 200 patients undergoing elective surgery who required CVC insertion were included. The overall complication rate was 15%, with mechanical complications being the most frequent (10%), followed by infectious (3%) and thrombotic complications (2%). Mechanical complications were significantly reduced with the use of ultrasound guidance (5% vs. 15% without ultrasound guidance). This study highlights the importance of adopting preventive measures such as ultrasound guidance and strict aseptic techniques to minimize complications. Proper training and adherence to protocols can reduce the risks and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Central venous catheter, Surgical patients, Complications, Ultrasound guidance, Mechanical complications