Living With and Treating Mediports
Patients needing chemotherapy can have a permanent port placed in their chest. The port is entirely under the skin and can be used multiple times for chemotherapy.
Before you start treatment, your doctor may refer you to us to receive a mediport. Also called a chemo port, these devices allow you to eliminate the need for repeated intravenous (IV) insertions so you can get the care you need without the risk of damaging your veins.
Making Cancer Treatment a Bit Easier
Although chemotherapy can be rigorous and exhausting, mediports help make the process slightly easier by sparing you the need to have an IV line inserted every time you need treatment.
Many people who receive mediports for chemo decide to do so because they want to reduce the physical and emotional stress of treatment as much as possible. For patients who have a fear of needles, eliminating the need for continuous IV lines can have a tremendous psychological benefit.
Understanding the Procedure Step-by-Step
The process of mediport placement is relatively simple.
- Step 1: Bloodwork. You will need to have a blood test two to three days before your port placement if your doctor requests one.
- Step 2: Preparation. You will change into a hospital gown and the staff will take your medical history and explain the procedure to you. If you are allergic to heparin or have had any previous issues with blood clotting or bleeding in the past, please let us know.
- Step 3: Insertion. You are given a local anesthetic to feel comfortable throughout the procedure. Your doctor will make two small incisions on your chest, about 2 to 3 cm below your collarbone. Then, they will insert a small tube called a catheter into your veins.
- Step 4: X-ray. The doctor will take an X-ray to make sure the port has been successfully placed and is ready for future treatments.
If you are going to have IV therapy within the next 24 to 48 hours, then a needle will likely be left in the port.
Tips for Living Comfortably With a Mediport
- Be sure to rest the day you go home from receiving your port.
- Frequently check the port for bleeding. If the exit site bleeds, then press firmly on it until the bleeding subsides. If it does not subside within 15 minutes, seek emergency care.
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds the first week after your port is placed.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or vigorous activity for the first week following placement.
- Change the dressing on your mediport according to the aftercare instructions you are provided.
Schedule an Appointment
Please contact us today if you are interested in receiving a mediport in the Maryland or D.C. area. Our skilled team is always available to answer any questions you have. Click here to book an appointment.
