Have you ever had to undergo chemotherapy for cancer? Then you probably know all too well the discomfort and pain you feel when you have to inject drugs and get blood drawn every time. Sometimes it's hard to find a vein, right? So, as a solution to all this, today we are talking about a special device that makes the treatment time much easier. It is called a 'Chemo Port'.
Simply put, what is a Chemo Port?
Simply put, a Chemo Port is a small device, about the size of a 5 rupee coin. It is implanted under your skin (usually in the upper chest, arm, or abdomen) during a minor surgery. A thin silicone tube attached to this device is connected to a large blood vessel in your body.
The main purpose of this is to reduce the number of frequent needle sticks during chemotherapy. Through this, things like taking blood and giving fluids including chemotherapy drugs into the body can be done very easily and with less pain. This makes cancer treatment a little more comfortable and safer. Some people also call this a 'port-a-cath'.
What does this look like and what are its parts?
Depending on the brand your surgeon uses, this port may come in a round, triangular, or oval shape. There are three main parts to a chemo port.
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Port | This is the main part of the device. The medical staff injects the medicine into this part. |
| Septum | The rubber-like part in the middle of the port. The pin is inserted into this. It is designed to be self-sealing. |
| Catheter | The port is a thin, flexible tube that connects to your blood vessel. |
There are also two types of Chemo Ports:
- Single lumen port: This has only one access point. This is the most commonly used type.
- Double lumen port: This has two access points, so two needles can be inserted at the same time to provide the necessary treatment.
How is the Chemo Port installed in the body?
A chemo port requires minor surgery. This usually takes about an hour. You can go home the same day as the surgery. However, the doctors recommend that you bring a friend with you, as it is important to have someone to take you home.
These are the things that happen during surgery:
1. First, the area will be numbed so that you don't feel any discomfort.
2. Then, a small incision is made in the upper part of the neck or chest to access a large blood vessel, for example the jugular vein.
3. A small hole is made in the blood vessel to insert the catheter.
4. Another small incision is made under the skin of the chest or arm, creating a small "pocket" where the port can be placed.
5. The Chemo Port is inserted into the created pocket.
6. The catheter (tube) is connected from the port to that blood vessel.
7. Finally, both incisions are closed with stitches.
Throughout the surgery, the doctor uses a special X-ray technique called fluoroscopy to make sure everything is in the right place. After the surgery, a chest X-ray is also taken to make sure the port is in place.
What are the benefits of using a Chemo Port?
A chemo port provides you with several benefits.
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Comfort | It's much less painful than a normal needle prick. You just feel a slight pinch. |
| Reduced risk of tissue damage | Some chemotherapy drugs can damage surrounding tissue if they leak out of the vein. This is called extravasation . Because the port allows the drug to go directly into a large vein, this risk is very low. |
| Convenience | After surgery, once the wound has completely healed, the port will be completely under the skin. You can shower, bathe, and swim as normal. There is no risk of infection. |
Are there any risks or complications here?
As with any surgery, there are some minor risks involved, but it's important to remember that these are very rare.
- Blood clots (Thrombosis): Sometimes a blood clot can form inside the catheter and block the port.
- Restricted movement: If you do things like strenuous exercise or heavy lifting, there is a small chance that the port will move. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor before doing such things.
- Mechanical problems: Sometimes the port may not work properly due to things like the catheter slipping out of place.
- Scar: The surgical incision may leave a small scar.
- Infection: Although this is very rare (about 2%), infection can occur. If this happens, the port may need to be changed. Fever, pain, redness, and swelling can be signs of infection.
When to talk to your doctor
If you have a chemo port and experience the following symptoms, you should notify your doctor immediately .
| Warning signs to look out for |
|---|
|
How do you sleep with a Chemo Port?
The best position is to sleep on your back. This way, there is no pressure on the port. You can also sleep on the opposite side of the port. For example, if the port is on the right side, sleep on your left side. It is better to sleep on that side, which puts pressure on the port, or sleep on your stomach, for a while.
Take-Home Message
- A Chemo Port is a small device that is implanted under the skin that makes cancer treatment much easier.
- This eliminates the pain and discomfort associated with frequent injections, and reduces the damage to tissues caused by the medication.
- This is done through a minor surgery that takes about an hour. It is also very simple to remove once the treatment is complete.
- If you experience severe pain, redness, swelling, or fever at the port site, notify your doctor immediately .
- Talk to your oncologist to decide if a chemo port is right for you and if you need one.
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