Background: Cost-effective, safe and dependable central venous access is fundamental in the care of anpatients. This study sets out to compare the complication rates between electively insertedperipheral (PICCs) and central venous cathethers (CVCs) in operating theatres. Methods: A retrospective clinical audit was undertaken. Complications included in this study are: malposition events, thrombotic/thrombophlebitis, infectio n and dysfunctio n. Results: A total of 189 patients met the inclusion cr iteria. Malpositioning of the catheter tips and thrombotic/thrombophlebitic events more often occurred after PICCs insertion than CVCs. There was no statistical difference in the catheter associated infection and dysfunctio n rate for PICCs and CVCs. The highest number of complications occured in the first 7 indwelling days. Conclusion: This study highlights that the potential advantages of reduced expected cost- and labour- effectiveness of PICCs as traditionally perceived, may be inaccurate, and further awareness of complications associated with PICCs need to be considered.