chemoport

[ran_sav]

sir,what are the complications if chemoport is not removed?its almost one year for the BCS and chemo insertion.when should it be removed?thanks in advance sir.

[manish_vkg TeamBCI]

Hi Ran, generally they removed chemo port after completion of the treatment and its depends on your medical onco also...for detail info plz wait for dr. reply..

[kontak TeamBCI in reply to manish_vkg]

We have many members who have Port inserted. Lets wait for their help

[roxboxfox RadiationOncologist]

From my personal experience, I ve seen ChemoPorts be used 6-10 years provided they are looked after well.

ChemoPorts need to be flushed as per the advice from your oncologist every 3-6 weeks or so.

Most oncologists would recommend removal of Ports once its job is done (no longer required).

Possible Port associated complications include:

Port may break, causing local trauma, get infected. It may hurt and ache (Port pain). Rarely Ports may twist, move or shift. In addition there is always a small risk of clotting / blockage of the Port catheter, and/or risk of venous blood clot.

Port removal Procedure

Port removal is not as traumatic as Port insertion.

Firstly your oncologist will get some routine blood tests include CBC, BT, CT, PT (Clotting time etc).

In a Minor OT with aseptic precautions, your oncologist will scrub the part (cleanse, sterilise and give you Local Anaesthetic (numb the part) and via small incision, with some manouevering and slight pulling and twisting, remove the Port. Its usually a 10-15 minute procedure and at the end you may / may not have a few stitches which will heal in 7-10 days time. You ll have a small dressing for a week or so.

Depending on your pain threshold, you will be offered pain killers to be taken as and when.

Post removal Advise:

Avoid lifting heavy weight, adventurous sports, swimming, avoid any trauma to that area.

Dr Rohit Malde MD, DNB, FRCR (UK)

Consultant Clinical & Radiation Oncologist

-BNH HCG Nanavati Hosp

-Apex Hospital (Mulund)

-Chirayu Hospital

[ran_sav in reply to roxboxfox]

Thank you for a detailed reply sir

[Bimalnaik]

i have the same problem it's 6 month now. whenever i ask doctor he says let it be there we will think it latter. some time i feel is he worried of re-laps or what? it is frightening. but i trust him and just carry it with me.

[sumeet_shah Administrator]

I agree with roxboxfox above. Chemo ports can be kept for a long time, as long as they are flushed well and maintained.

The decision as to whether to keep them for a while or to remove it rests with the oncologist. For those with higher stage cancers and a higher chance of recurrence, we prefer to keep it. For those with early stage cancers with a lower chance of recurrence, we remove it after completion of chemotherapy. There is absolutely no harm, if the PORT is kept for a longer time. Just ensure, that it is flushed well on time.

[ran_sav in reply to sumeet_shah]

thank you for the reply sir