Do you or someone you know have to get injections, saline, or blood samples taken regularly? We know the pain, discomfort, and damage to the veins that come with having to insert a cannula and poke through the needle every time. So today we're talking about a very important little device that makes this process much easier for people undergoing long-term treatments like this.
So, what is this 'Implanted Port'?
Simply put, this is a small medical device that is implanted under our skin. More precisely, it is a permanent "gate" that is designed to easily connect to a large vein in our body. This is sometimes called a `portacath` or `mediport`.
This 'port' is made of a flat, small disc-like part made of metal or plastic. On top of it is a part (`septum`) made of silicone, which can be inserted with a needle. A thin, flexible tube (`catheter`) connected to this disc is inserted directly into a large vein near our heart. The doctor places this entire system under the skin during a minor surgery. When you no longer need it, it can also be removed again with a minor surgery.
The biggest advantage of this is that it eliminates the need for frequent needle insertions and cannulas, making treatment a much more convenient and less painful experience.
Are there different types of these 'ports'?
Yes, there are several main types. It will be easier for you to understand this in a table.
| Port type (Type) | Simple description |
|---|---|
| Single Lumen | This has one entrance. This is the most commonly used type. |
| Double Lumen | This has two entrances. This is very useful if you need to give two types of medication at the same time. |
| Power-Injectable | Many of the 'ports' available today are of this type. They can be used to inject contrast dye at high pressure for things like CT scans or MRI scans. |
Who needs a 'port' like this?
This is useful for anyone who needs frequent or long-term vein treatments, blood transfusions, or blood draws. Your doctor may recommend this, especially if you or your child have any of the following conditions:
- Cancer conditions: If you need to receive chemotherapy regularly.
- Long-term infections: If necessary, intravenous antibiotics may be needed for weeks or months.
- Kidney failure: For dialysis.
- Digestive system diseases: In conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), intravenous nutrition may be required.
- Other complex illnesses: Any condition that requires frequent intravenous fluids or blood tests.
What happens before the 'port' is put in?
Since this is a minor surgery, there are a few things you need to prepare for beforehand.
- You should tell your doctor about any medications and vitamins you are taking. Some medications may require you to stop taking them a few days before surgery.
- Several blood tests are done to check kidney function and blood clotting.
- You will be advised not to eat or drink anything (fast) for several hours before the surgery.
How do you insert this 'port' into your body?
This is a minor surgery that usually takes about an hour and you can go home the same day. However, it is essential that you bring someone to take you home.
Most often, this 'port' is placed under the skin on the right side of the chest. Sometimes, it can also be placed under the skin on the inner side of the arm or in the abdomen below the ribs.
An anesthesiologist will put you to sleep so that you don't feel any pain during the surgery. They will also give you medicine to numb the area where the surgery will be performed. Children will be given `general anesthesia', which puts them completely asleep.
The doctor enters this as follows:
1. X-ray guidance: This surgery is performed under the guidance of a special X-ray technology called `Fluoroscopy`.
2. Small incision: A small incision is made in the neck area to access a large vein (such as the superior vena cava, jugular, or subclavian).
3. Another incision: Another small incision is made on the skin of the chest or arm, creating a small "pocket" under the skin to place the 'port'.
4. Placing the 'port':The 'port' is placed inside the pocket that was created.
5. Connecting the tube: The tube (catheter) coming from the 'port' is inserted into the vein through the incision in the neck and connected.
6. Confirmation: A chest X-ray is taken to make sure everything is in order.
7. Suturing: Finally, the incisions are closed using dissolvable stitches.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a 'port'?
This has its advantages as well as minor risks. Let's be aware of both.
| Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|
|
|
Who takes care of the 'port' and when do I need to talk to the doctor ?
The skin over the port does not need any special care. However, if you are not receiving treatment regularly, you may need to flush the port about once a month to prevent blood clots. This means cleaning it with a special solution. This will be done by your doctor or nurse.
To prevent infections, cleanliness is number one.
- Take a shower daily.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Keep your surroundings and bed clean.
Call your doctor immediately if:
If you have any of the following symptoms, do not delay and inform your doctor or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) .
- If blood or other fluid is leaking from the port.
- If the area is red, swollen, and feels hot to the touch.
- If you have a fever.
- If the arm on the side where the 'port' is located is swollen.
- If you have difficulty breathing or chest pain.
- If you feel dizzy or faint.
A 'port' is a great convenience for someone undergoing long-term treatment. It makes life a lot easier. So don't be afraid of this. Your doctor will explain everything to you about this.
Take-Home Message
- An 'implanted port' is a small device placed under the skin that facilitates treatment for those who need to receive intravenous medications (e.g. chemotherapy), saline infusions, or blood draws for a long period of time.
- This eliminates the pain and discomfort caused by frequent needle insertions and cannulas.
- This is inserted through a minor surgery and can be removed when the need is no longer there.
- The most common complication is infection, so it is essential to be very careful about cleanliness.
- If you develop symptoms such as redness, swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing around the 'port', contact your doctor immediately.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Lower Back Pain / Lumbago?
This is not just a little discomfort when you wake up in the morning! 'Lower Back Pain' is an unbearable inflammation/strain in the spine, muscles or nerves above your hip bone, above your buttocks (Lumbar region) or a crippling pain that makes it impossible to get out of bed/sit. Although this is one of the most common pains experienced by people in the world, sometimes it is a warning that both legs are going to be paralyzed forever!
💬 What are the main causes of lower back pain that often makes it difficult to get out of bed?
The main reason for this (90%) is 'wrong posture and muscle strain' - this occurs when lifting heavy objects incorrectly (bending the back instead of bending the legs). In addition, 2) A cushion between two vertebrae protrudes and pinches a nerve (Herniated Disc / Slip Disc). 3) Sciatica - Pain travels from the back down the leg. 4) Kidney stones (Kidney stones/Pyelonephritis) also cause this pain.
💬 What are the 'red flags' that indicate a serious or emergency situation and that you should go to the hospital immediately without applying balm/massage at home?
If it is a common problem, it will heal in 2 weeks with ice/hot water and rest. But the biggest danger! 1) If you have back pain and suddenly lose control of your bladder or bowels (Loss of bowel/bladder control) or if your lower back is numb (Saddle anesthesia), your spinal cord will definitely rot (Cauda Equina Syndrome / fatal)! 2) If you are experiencing numbness in both legs, 3) If you have a high fever with the pain, you can become paralyzed in a matter of hours, you need to go to the hospital immediately!
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