Chemoport

A chemo port is a small procedure. But some guidelines need to be followed before the surgery. Before a chemo port surgery, your nursing team would do the following:

Medical History: Your past medical history would be recorded in detail. The doctor would ask you about your symptoms and diagnosis.

Blood Tests: Before a chemo port, blood tests are suggested. This is done to evaluate your blood count, levels of hemoglobin, white blood cells, blood sugar and blood clotting time. 

Physical examination: An overall health checkup to determine your health would take place. 

Medicines: You should inform your medical team about any medications you take daily. 

Type of chemo port: The doctor will examine your health and discuss which type of chemo port would best suit you. 

Fasting: You would be asked to fast (not eat or drink) at least 6 hours before the surgery. Water is excluded from this. 

Time: You are expected to arrive at least half an hour before the procedure.

Apart from the above, the stage of cancer, the duration of cancer treatment, and more are taken into consideration.

The chemo port procedure is of three kinds. The process of the operation depends on the type of port. Before the surgeon commences the surgery, he/she would give you anesthesia to numb the pain. 

Types of chemo port:

PICC Line- PICC stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. This catheter is inserted into the arm of a patient. A large vein in the elbow region is used for the implant. The port is placed under the skin of the chest. One end of the catheter is inserted into the vein of the arm. 

Central Line- This is also known as a tunneled venous catheter or Hickman catheter. A large vein under the collarbone is used to insert the catheter tube. One end of the tube is inserted through the collarbone while the other end exists through a different point in the upper chest region. 

Port-a-cath- The port is put inside the skin from under your chest or upper arm. In this procedure, the port is implanted entirely under the skin. Due to this procedure, a small bump is highlighted on the chest. This bump is numbed by putting cream on it during the surgery. 

The chemotherapy medicine is delivered by injecting a special needle into the rubber seal of the catheter through the skin. 

The chemo port can be removed easily by the doctor. It is a painless procedure. The removal of the port depends on the type of line used.

After the surgery is complete, some common guidelines are followed. You should expect the below-given protocol post-surgery:

• You would have to make frequent visits to the doctor for follow-up care. 

• You would need to flush the tube with sterile liquid to avoid blockage

• You should make sure that your hands are clean before touching the catheter. 

• The doctor would instruct you on how to clean the area around the tube

• Your doctor would prescribe pain-relieving medicines for you 

• You would need to change your cotton dressing after a few days

• Do not lift heavy objects or indulge in exhausting activities

Though chemo port is a safe procedure when performed by medical experts, some risks and complications can occur. These include:

• Infection due to improper installation of port

• Accidental puncturing of lungs

• Allergies

• Thrombosis

• Scarring

• Occlusion

• Air leakage 

• Blisters

• Improper positioning

• Internal bleeding

For more information on the chemo port cost in Chennai, contact Credihealth Medical Experts at 8010-994-994.