[Computed tomography guided positioning of catheters for temperature measurement in hyperthermia of malignant tumors].

Prior to a combined treatment with ionizing radiation and hyperthermia, 38 patients with superficial, semi-deep, and deep tumors received catheters for temperature measuring probes which were introduced under CT control. After having established a localization diagnosis and determined the angle for the puncture as well as the length of the puncture canal, a puncture needle containing a closed teflon catheter was introduced subsequent to local anaesthesia and puncture incision of the skin. None of the patients needed a general analgetic and sedative treatment. 10% of the patients presented a dislocation making necessary a reimplantation. Local infections at the catheter insertion point were observed in three cases, a phlegmonous inflammation was seen only in one patient who had undergone an immunosuppression by means of cytostatic drugs. In one patient a temporary bleeding led to a slight haemoglobin reduction which, however, did not require further therapeutic measures. The insertion of catheters for intratumoral temperature measurement was well tolerated by the patients. It could be performed in out-patients with good general condition and no further risk factors.