Chemotherapy access (port insertion and removal)

You may require a portacath insertion for chemotherapy or immunotherapy treatment. This involves a small metal device, with a thin plastic tube that inserts directly into a large vein near your heart. The insertion itself takes 20-30 minutes, and may prevent your needing multiple peripheral cannulas during your treatment regime.

These ports can be inserted under local anesthetic (numbing agent) or general anesthetic (where you go off to sleep for the procedure). The insertion involves a small cut in your chest wall to place the metal port, and a puncture of your jugular vein near your neck (under ultrasound guidance) to insert the plastic tubing. Sometimes the subclavian vein is used. All parts of the port and tubing will remain under your skin once inserted. An Xray is performed prior to completing your procedure to make sure that the tubing and the port are in the correct place.

Removing a portacath upon completion of your treatment, or if there is a concern such as infection, is a very simple procedure. This is usually done under local anaesthetic, and takes about 15-20 minutes.