Chemoport is a medical device that is implanted into the patient’s body (just under the skin of the chest, most commonly), primarily for chemotherapy. It has a small chamber with a thin tube (catheter) attached to it. This tube enters the vein. The entire device is under your skin and no part of the port is outside.
Chemoport provides a long term and safe access to one of the large veins (blood vessels).
This avoids multiple needle pricks while you are undergoing chemotherapy, which is one of the most important advantages of a Chemoport.
you need to undergo blood tests before and after chemotherapy. Occasionally you may need transfusions, antibiotics and other medicines between your chemotherapy sessions. This means average 3-5 needle pricks in each chemotherapy session.
Many people are averse to needle pricks and some are truly scared of them.
The pain of needle prick may also induce a negative feeling towards chemotherapy which is not desirable.
In the absence of a Chemoport, chemotherapy is given via one of the small veins in your arms.
Multiple Chemotherapy sessions via these small blood vessels have the risk of burning these vessels. This means with each cycle there are less numbers of vessels available for chemotherapy.
There is also a risk of drug spillage outside these vessels which can cause adverse skin reactions.
Both these things leave unsightly scars on the skin.
With Chemoport, all these adverse events can be avoided.
This chamber is placed underneath your skin at a suitable site (usually just below your collar bone). The catheter travels the skin and goes into a large blood vessel. The chamber receives the chemotherapy drug and pushes it into the catheter and the catheter takes it to the blood stream.
To administer chemotherapy a special needle is inserted into the port chamber through which chemotherapy is given.
Chemoport insertion is a surgical procedure. The procedure can be done either in local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
Your neck and chest area is prepped and draped. Under ultrasound guidance one of the chosen veins are punctured and a guide wire is inserted. The position of the guide wire is confirmed on x-ray. This wire guide gives access to the vein.
A pocket is created under the skin of your upper chest (site may vary) to make space for the port chamber.
From this site the catheter end of the port is threaded to the neck or upper chest where we have inserted the guide wire. And the free end of the catheter is inserted into the vein with the help of another peelable sheath.
Do I need anesthesia for this procedure?
Chemoport insertion can be done under local anesthesia with mild sedation, if you are comfortable. However if you are not comfortable with the idea of being aware and partly awake during the procedure, it can be done under general anesthesia as well.
How long do I have to stay in the hospital after the procedure?
Chemoport insertion is a day care procedure.
It requires 6-8 hours of in hospital stay (The duration may vary depending on the time taken for admission and discharge process).
An x ray is taken to confirm the position of the Chemoport and keep an official documentation
It depends on your body habitus.
In a thin individual the bulge of the chamber and the catheter coursing the skin may be fairly visible, while in a person with more skin fat it may be practically not visible.
How should I sleep after Chemoport insertion?
We encourage you to sleep on your back or on your side. Sleeping on your tummy may put direct pressure on your Chemoport.
How long can I keep the Chemoport?
Chemoport can be retained for 1-2 years or more.
We generally advise to retain the Chemoport for at least 1 year after the completion of the treatment.
What maintenance is required? How often does a port need to be flushed?
The Chemoport needs flushing every 4-6 weeks. Flushing is necessary to keep the port patent. The port is flushed using a heparin solution and it is done by a trained professional.
When can I get the port removed?
We usually remove the Chemoport 6-12 months after the completion of chemotherapy or treatment whichever is later.
Is removal of Chemoport a major surgical procedure?
Removal of Chemoport is a minor surgical procedure that takes around 15-20minutes.
It is an outpatient procedure and you do not have to get admitted for the same.
The Chemoport is removed under local anesthesia.
You will typically spend around 2-3 hours in hospital for the same.
Besides receiving chemotherapy, are there any other advantages of having a Chemoport?
Chemoport can also be used for
- Drawing blood samples
- Giving blood transfusions
- Giving antibiotics and other medications
So, with a Chemoport in place you will essentially avoid all needle pricks.
