This article explains why a chemotherapy port is needed and how the gadget is implanted.
It also outlines the benefits and risks of a chemo port and how infection and other complications are avoided.
What Are Chemo Ports Used For?
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Chemotherapy involves multiple intravenousinfusionsof medications over time.
You may be given one course or chemo or several.
In advanced cases, treatment may be ongoing.
Chemo ports spare you the pain and aggravation of getting jabbed in the arm every session.
But, they are about more than just convenience.
Instead, the drug is delivered to a larger, thicker vein in the chest.
Cancer specialists calledoncologistsgenerally recommend a port if you will require more than four infusions.
What Does a Chemo Port Look Like?
Chemo ports are about the size of a silver dollar and can be circular, oval, or triangular.
The port itself is called alumen.
There are two types of chemo ports:
How Are Chemo Ports Placed?
Chemo ports are surgically placed under the skin near a large vein in the upper chest.
This is usually done on anoutpatientbasis using alocal anestheticthat numbs the skin rather than puts you to sleep.
They are sometimes placed at the same time that the tumor is removed.
After your port is placed, the surgeon will perform anX-rayto ensure the port is correctly connected and secured.
The port will be visibly seen under the skin but is largely concealed with clothes.
This is generally considered the optimal position as it places no pressure on the equipment.
In severe cases, this can lead to a potentially life-threatening, whole-body infection known assepticemia.
Flushing the catheter with an antibiotic and heparin solution appears to significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Thrombosis is another common reason that ports are replaced.
Routinely flushing a port with heparin does not seem to reduce the risk and may promote bleeding.
Any minor clots that do develop can often be broken up with an injection of heparin into the catheter.
How Are Chemo Ports Removed?
You will usually be given alocal anestheticbefore the chemo port is removed.
A small incision will be made, after which the port and the catheter are removed.
The port is usually implanted as a same-day surgical procedure under local anesthesia.
A chemo port reduces the need for repeated needle sticks during chemo.
The port is largely invisible under clothes and can be submerged under water while bathing or swimming.
There is also a risk of surgical complications, including bleeding and pneumothorax.
The risk of infection can be reduced by flushing the catheter prior to each chemo session.
Minor blood clots can also be broken up by injecting heparin into the catheter.
American Society of Clinical Oncology.Getting IV or injectable chemotherapy.
doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdv296
University Health online grid.What to expect when getting an implanted port.
