A chemotherapy port (also known as a chemo port) is a small device implanted under the skin that is attached to a vein in the chest to deliver chemotherapy drugs to the body.

Chemo port is a small medical device that is implanted under the skin of a patient, typically in the chest area. It consists of a small reservoir or chamber that is connected to a thin, flexible tube, which is inserted into a vein. The port allows for easy access to the bloodstream, making it easier to administer medications and other treatments, such as chemotherapy or intravenous fluids.

Chemo ports are commonly used in cancer treatment, as they allow for the delivery of chemotherapy drugs directly into the bloodstream, without the need for repeated needle sticks. They can also be used for other types of medical treatments that require regular access to the veins, such as long-term antibiotic therapy or parenteral nutrition. Chemo ports are usually placed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia and can remain in place for several years, depending on the patient's needs.

Chemo ports spare you the pain and aggravation of getting jabbed in the arm every session. But, they are about more than just convenience. Some chemotherapy medications can only be given through a port because they are too caustic for the veins in your arm. Instead, the drug is delivered to a larger, thicker vein in the chest.

Chemotherapy can also cause changes to veins that make them harder and more difficult to access with a traditional IV needle.

Cancer specialists generally recommend a port if you will require more than four infusions. In some cases, a port may allow you to have some chemotherapy at home instead of in a hospital or clinic.

Chemo Port Implantation

Chemo ports are surgically placed under the skin near a large vein in the upper chest. They are typically implanted as a same-day procedure with a local anaesthetic that numbs the skin rather than puts you to sleep. They are sometimes placed at the same time as the surgical resection (removal) of a tumour.

During the insertion, a small, round metal or plastic disc, called the drum or reservoir, is placed under the skin through a 1- to 2-inch incision. An attached tube, called a catheter, is then connected to either the internal jugular vein of the neck or the subclavian vein that runs from the shoulder to the neck.

After your port is placed, the surgeon will perform an X-ray to make sure the port is correctly connected and secured. The port will be visibly seen under the skin but is largely concealed with clothes.

After chemotherapy is completed, the device can be removed.

Advantages

Increased comfort: With a chemo port, an IV needle is inserted into the reservoir through a thin rubbery membrane called the septum. You may feel initial pressure but little pain.

Reduced risk of extravasation: When a traditional IV is used, chemo drugs may extravasate (leak) and damage surrounding tissues. A chemo port reduces the risk since the delivery vein is large. The leakage, if any, is usually limited to the reservoir.

Bathing and swimming: You can usually bathe and even swim without concern about infection because the port is completely encased under the skin.

Disadvantages

• Risk of infection
• Risk of blood clots and catheter obstruction
• Mechanical problems
• May limit some activities
• Scarring
• Risk of surgical complications

If you would like to know more pros and corns of having a chemo port and how to take care of it, consult Dr. srikanth Soma, a renowned SurgicalOnchologist in Hyderabad. He has more than a decade of experience in treating cancers.