Port Placement and Removal

A medical port, also known as a port-a-cath, is a small, implantable device placed under the skin that provides easy and reliable access to a vein. It consists of a small reservoir (port) connected to a thin, flexible catheter inserted into a large vein, usually in the chest or neck. A thin layer of skin covers the port and can be accessed with a special needle for delivering medications, fluids, or blood.

Benefits of Medical Ports

A medical port provides a safe, reliable, and efficient way to access the bloodstream for patients requiring frequent or long-term IV treatments. Unlike traditional IV lines, which can cause vein irritation or require repeated needle sticks, a port allows for easier medication delivery, reduced discomfort, and a lower risk of vein damage.

For chemotherapy patients, a chemo port placement ensures that powerful cancer-fighting drugs are administered directly into a large vein, minimizing irritation to smaller veins and reducing the need for frequent IV insertions. Those on long-term IV antibiotics benefit from a stable access point that prevents vein scarring and makes treatment more manageable. 

Patients who require frequent blood draws also experience greater convenience, as blood samples can be taken through the port without repeated needle sticks, preserving vein health and improving overall comfort.

What to Expect

Before 

Before the procedure, patients consult with their doctor to discuss the process, review their medical history, and ensure they are good candidates. Pre-procedure instructions will include fasting for a few hours and avoiding certain medications. The area where the port will be placed or removed is cleaned and numbed before the procedure begins.

During

Port placement is a minimally invasive procedure usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation to keep the patient comfortable. A small incision is made, and the port is implanted under the skin with a catheter leading to a large vein. The skin is closed with dissolvable sutures on the inside and sealed with glue. The procedure takes about 30-60 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis, meaning most patients can go home the same day. The patient may shower immediately.

Port removal is also a quick and straightforward procedure performed under local anesthesia. To remove the port, the surgeon makes a small incision, carefully removes the port and catheter, closes the skin with dissolvable sutures, and seals it with glue. The procedure typically takes 20-40 minutes; most patients can resume normal activities soon after and may shower immediately.

After

After placement, patients may experience mild swelling or bruising for a few days but can usually resume daily activities within 24-48 hours while avoiding heavy lifting for a short period. Proper care is essential to keep the port site clean and reduce the risk of infection.

After removal, recovery is usually quick and uncomplicated. Most people heal within one to two weeks with minimal discomfort.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While medical port placement and removal are generally safe and routine procedures, patients should be aware of some potential risks and side effects.

• Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a small risk of infection at the incision site or around the port. A dose of IV antibiotics and proper post-operative care and hygiene help minimize this risk.
• Blood Clots (Thrombosis): A clot can sometimes form in the catheter or surrounding vein, which may require medication or port removal.
• Port or Catheter Malfunction: In rare cases, the catheter may become dislodged or kinked, affecting function and requiring adjustment or replacement.
• Bruising, Swelling, or Discomfort: Some mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the incision site is normal but typically resolves within a few days.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung, Rare): If the catheter is placed near the lung, there is a minimal risk of lung injury, which is uncommon with experienced surgeons.

• Bleeding or Hematoma: Some patients may experience minor bleeding or bruising at the incision site, especially if they take blood thinners.
• Infection: Although rare, an infection can develop after removal. Antibiotics usually quickly resolve this when no port is present any longer.
• Scar Tissue or Adhesions: In some cases, scar tissue may have formed around the port, making removal slightly more complex and requiring additional time or leaving a small lump where the port used to be.
• Delayed Healing: While most incisions heal quickly, some patients may experience slower healing, especially if they have underlying health conditions like diabetes or cancer.

At Premier Surgical Network, our experienced team takes every precaution to minimize risks and ensure a safe and smooth experience for port placement and removal. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and are available to address any concerns throughout your recovery.