Venous and implantable ports
What is a port?
One of the major issues faced by patients requiring chemotherapy and frequent injections is the repeated puncturing of various veins, which gradually leads to their thinning and eventual blockage. This not only causes pain and discomfort for the patient but also results in the destruction of peripheral veins, creating additional complications for these individuals.
What is an appropriate solution for chemotherapy?
The use of a port implanted beneath the patient’s skin can prevent these complications. In advanced countries, port placement is performed from the outset for chemotherapy administration. This device, implanted under the skin and connected to a central vein in the body, is not visible externally and helps preserve the patient’s peripheral veins.
What is the purpose of a port?
Through the port, chemotherapy infusions, blood transfusions, antibiotics, and IV fluids can be administered without the need to puncture a vein. Additionally, it can be used for blood sample collection for laboratory tests if necessary.
How is port placement performed?
After administering local anesthesia under Doppler ultrasound guidance, a catheter is inserted into a central vein. Subsequently, based on the size of the port, an incision is made on the skin, typically in the chest area. The port chamber is implanted beneath the skin, and the skin is sutured using absorbable stitches in a plastic surgery technique.
Intervention Clinics
The interventional clinics at pardis noor comprehensive imaging centers, utilizing advanced equipment and a specialized team, provide minimally invasive medical services with high precision and safety.
What care is necessary after port placement?
During the first week, you may experience mild pain and bruising at the incision site. To alleviate this discomfort, taking a simple pain reliever such as acetaminophen will be helpful. After port placement, you will be prescribed oral antibiotics for 5 days to prevent infection. If redness and swelling around the port site persist after one week, make sure to visit the clinic.
After the injection of the port, a certain amount of anticoagulant medication (heparin) is administered into the port to prevent blood clotting inside it. If the port is not used regularly, it must be flushed monthly to maintain its functionality.
Potential Issues with Port Placement
Infection may occur inside the tube or around the port. You should contact your doctor immediately in the following situations:
Seeing a red, swollen, or painful area around the port.
Symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, chills, and dizziness
In such cases, you will be given antibiotics.
In the event of blood clot formation inside the port or a severe infection, removal of the port may be necessary.
The symptoms of blood clotting inside the port include neck swelling and skin redness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of use for the port?
The port can be maintained for weeks, months, or, if necessary, even years.
Is anesthesia required for placing a port?
Well, this procedure can be easily performed under local anesthesia.
Is hospitalization required after port placement?
No, this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and you can return to your daily activities one hour after the radiation session.
Does the presence of a port interfere with imaging?
Well, with the port in place, you can easily undergo a CT scan or MRI.