How painful is having a port put in?
A local anesthetic is injected into your chest area. This numbs the area where the port is inserted. You should only feel a little pain or discomfort during the procedure. You are given small amount of a medicine in your IV to help you relax.
Where are cancer ports placed?
The port is placed under the skin, usually in the right side of the chest. It is attached to a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) that is guided (threaded) into a large vein above the right side of the heart called the superior vena cava.
What does a chemo port look like after surgery?
Your Recovery It is made of plastic, stainless steel, or titanium. It’s about the size of a quarter, but thicker. It looks like a small bump under your skin. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter runs under the skin from the port into a large vein.
What is a chemo port pillow?
A chemo port pillow is a small, soft pillow that people attach to a seat belt to protect their chemo port. These are also called port-a-cath pillows or port seat belt protectors. This “port softie” is intended to relieve any pressure or rubbing from the seat belt.
How do I prepare for port placement?
Ask about your normal morning medicines, which you may be able to take with a sip of water. Do not eat anything for 6 hours prior to the procedure. You may enjoy clear liquids such as clear juices or black coffee up until 4 hours before the port insertion. Wear comfortable clothing and a top that is easy to take off.
How long does a port stay in after chemo?
How long can a chemo port remain in place? Unlike an IV catheter, which must be reinserted for each treatment session, a port can remain in place as long as necessary – for several weeks, months or even years. When it is no longer needed, the port can be removed through a relatively simple outpatient procedure.
What do you wear to a chemo port?
Wear a low neck or V-neck shirt so nurses can easily place ports to administer the chemo, and bring an extra shirt in case you sweat through the first. Bring a light sweater in case you become cold. Having something to cover your head can also be helpful.
Can I eat before port placement?
You will stay awake, but feel sleepy. This is called conscious sedation. You will be sleepy for a while after the procedure. The day before your procedure, you may eat as usual.
Can you shower with an IV port?
The bandage must be kept dry until the incision is completely healed. This usually takes 5 to 7 days. You can not take a shower during this time. You can usually take a bath if the port is in your chest, but you have to keep the bandage dry.