Abstract :
Background: Central venous catheterization Is frequently Indicated In critically ill patients such as for rapid large volume resuscitation, administration of vaso-active drugs, poor peripheral venous access, amongst others. It is life saving and associated with some complications.Methodology: We documented all the central venous catheterizations performed for patients in the ICU during a 3-month period. The total number of patients admitted into the unit, the total number of patients who required central venous catheterization and the total number of patients who had the procedure were collected and studied. The indications, route of central venous access and complications following the procedure were also documented.Karaite: Ninety six (9 6) patients were admitted into the unit during study duration out of which 44.8% required central venous catheterization. However, less than half of the total number of patients requiring central venous catheterization (46.5%) was cannulatecL The right internal jugular vein was the most used route and the only complication detected was pneumothorax with acomplication rate of 12%. The common primmy indications were drug and fluid administration and poor peripheral access. Conclusion: Central venous catheterization is easy to perform and it is associated with few complications which are operator and catheter type dependent The ls6ue of availability of central line kits and training of personnel should therefore be addressed.
