Have you been asked to have a 'port' inserted for chemo? Let's learn everything about this Chemo Port!

Have you been prescribed chemotherapy as a cancer treatment? Then you probably know how painful and annoying it is to have to insert cannulas and draw blood continuously. It is not always easy to find a good vein. That is why we are going to talk about a good solution today. That is the "Chemo Port". Perhaps your doctor has also told you about this. So let's see what this is, how it works, and what are the benefits of it. Let's talk about everything in simple terms.

What is a Chemo Port?

Simply put, a chemo port is a small device that is placed under your skin. Think of it as something about the size of a five rupee coin. It is usually placed under the skin of the upper chest, arm, or abdomen. Then, a thin silicone tube (a `catheter`) that comes from this small device is connected directly to one of your large blood vessels.

Many people undergoing cancer treatment use a port like this. Because after this is inserted, they don't have to go through a vein in their arm every time they give them chemo drugs, take blood, or give them other fluids like saline. You can do all of that directly through this port. So this port helps make chemo treatment a little easier, safer, and less painful.

Another name for this is "Port-a-cath".

What does this port look like? What are its parts?

Depending on the brand of port you get, it can come in a round, triangular, or oval shape. Each port has three main parts.

And there are two types of these ports:

• Single lumen port: This has only one access point. This is the most commonly used type.
• Double lumen port: This has two entry ports. This means that it can perform two tasks at the same time, such as administering medication through one and drawing blood through the other.

Okay, now let's see how this works.

After the port is placed in your body, medical staff can use it to draw blood, give medications, or administer other fluids to your body.

The way this is done is very simple. They insert a special needle through your skin, directly into the rubbery middle part of the port (the septum). This is not like putting in a regular cannula. There is no need to find a vein, and it is not very painful. It feels like a slight push.

How do you insert a chemo port into your body? Is this a major surgery?

A chemo port is a minor surgical procedure. But it's not a major, scary surgery. It usually takes about an hour. You can go home the same day. But it's important to have a friend or family member to take you there and back.

Here are some of the things your medical team will do during this surgery:

1. First, you will be given a numbing medicine to numb the pain and keep you relaxed.

2. Then, a small incision is made in your neck to access a blood vessel (such as the jugular vein, subclavian vein, or superior vena cava).

3. A small opening is made in that vein and the thin tube (the `catheter`) is inserted into it.

4. Then another small incision is made under the skin of your chest, arm, or abdomen, creating a small space in the subcutaneous layer, like a small pouch.

5. The chemo port is placed inside the created space.

6. Now, the tube coming from the port is taken under the skin and connected to the tube that was previously inserted into the vein.

7. Finally, both incisions are closed with stitches.

The surgeon does this entire procedure while continuously looking at a machine that shows images like an X-ray (fluoroscopy). This ensures that everything is done correctly. After the procedure is complete, a chest X-ray is also taken to make sure the port is in the right place.

What are the benefits of using a Chemo Port?

There are several advantages to using a chemo port. Let's take a closer look at them.

Are there any risks in this?

Since this is a surgical procedure, there are some minor risks, as with any surgery. However, these do not occur very often.

Things to know after getting a port and while living with it

What happens after the port is inserted?

You may experience some pain and soreness at the incision site for the first two or three days after the port is inserted. This is normal. You can resume most of your normal activities. However, check with your doctor before starting any strenuous exercise, such as going to the gym.

How long can you keep this pot?

You can keep this port in place for as long as you want, which can be several years. When all your treatment is complete, your surgeon can remove it.

How do you sleep with the pot on?

The best position to sleep is on your back . This will prevent any pressure on the port. Especially in the early stages of recovery, avoid sleeping on your stomach. This can cause pressure on the port and increase pain.

You can also sleep on the side. But if the port is on the right side, turn to sleep on the left side. If it is on the left side, turn to sleep on the right side. That means, so that the side with the port is not under.

Can I take a bath or wash myself?

Yes. You can shower 24-48 hours after surgery, but only after consulting your doctor. When showering, you should cover the incision with a waterproof plastic sheet. Once the incision is completely healed, you can safely shower, take a bath, or even swim.

How do I remove the port after treatment is finished?

Removing the port is also a very simple procedure. It involves making a small incision over the port, freeing the port from the surrounding tissue, and removing the entire device in one go. The incision is then closed with stitches. There may be some pain, swelling, and bruising for a few days after the port is removed. This is normal.

When should I call the doctor immediately?

This is very important. If you have a chemo port and experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately .

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