Complications of subclavian vein catheters in patients with high enterocutaneous fistulas.

Complications of subclavian catheters in 17 consecutive patients with high enterocutaneous fistulas were studied. Fifteen patients had drainage surgery and total parenteral nutrition was given to all patients via a subclavian catheter for 27 +/- 20 days and in total 75 catheters were used for 1044 days. One patient needed on average 5.0 +/- 2.2 catheters and one catheter was in place 12.3 +/- 9.7 days. Bacterial cultures were positive in two and candida cultures in one catheter. Three patients died due to sepsis, but only one had a minor complication transient skin infection around the catheter. The frequency of complications decreased when the number of catheters in each patient increased. Minor complications were common.