A case of esophageal cancer with superior vena cava syndrome treated with chemotherapy via a central venous port placed by translumbar approach.

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a serious condition that complicates the placement of central venous access port (CV port) in cancer patients. This report highlights the successful placement of a CV port by translumbar approach in a patient with advanced esophageal carcinoma complicated by SVCS. The patient was an 80-year-old woman whose tumor had invaded the superior vena cava (SVC) through the azygos vein, necessitating stent placement in the SVC. Subsequently, a CV port was implanted in the inferior vena cava using a translumbar approach, allowing the initiation of chemotherapy. The patient underwent nine cycles of FOLFOX followed by four cycles of nivolumab. To address worsening dysphagia, an esophageal stent was placed, disease progression was confirmed during treatment. The patient then transitioned to best supportive care. The patient passed away 432 days after the CV port placement. Notably, no port-related complications were observed throughout the course of treatment, underscoring the feasibility and safety of the translumbar approach in patients with SVCS.

© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Japanese Society of Gastroenterology.