Objective: To survey complications related to subcutaneous ports, evaluate satisfaction and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy via subcutaneous ports at Hue Central Hospital.

Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on 30 chemotherapy-treated patients using subcutaneous ports at Hue Central Hospital from October 2023 to April 2024.

Results: Median age 52.1 ± 14.4, male, female ratio are 20% and 80% respectively. Breast cancer patients accounted for the highest proportion at 43.3%. Only 4 (13.3%) patients experienced complications during the use of subcutaneous ports, with no patients experiencing dislodgement or port removal due to complications. 96.7% of patients were satisfied with subcutaneous port placement. 93.3% of patients would agree to have subcutaneous ports placed again if given the choice. 86.7% of patients were satisfied with the cosmetic aspect after subcutaneous port placement. Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores according to the SF-12 tool were 44.9 and 40.8, respectively. The cosmetic result of implantation procedure and the patient’s fear of needles entering the injection chamber affect quality of life in terms of mental component summary.

Conclusion: Subcutaneous port placement is beneficial for patients, both reducing events during the process of multiple injections, creating a comfortable feeling for the patient when administering medication as well as in daily living activities, bringing high satisfaction contributing to improve the quality of life.

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