Interventional Radiology

IMPLANTED PORT PLACEMENT

An implanted port is a small intravenous access device placed completely under the skin through which you may receive chemotherapy, other medications or blood products.  It may also be used to draw blood.  The port consists of a small reservoir that is implanted usually under the skin of your chest.  This reservoir is connected to a catheter that is placed in a “tunnel” under the skin and ends in a large vein near the center of your chest.  You may also hear it referred to as a “chest port,” “power port” or “portacath.”  A “power port” is a port that can be used for contrast injections for CT scans.  A “vortex port” may be used for photopheresis. In some cases, the port may be placed in the upper arm.

POST-PROCEDURE ACTIVITY:

• A responsible adult must drive you home.  After receiving sedation or anesthesia,  you should not drive, operate heavy machinery or do anything that requires concentration for at least 24 hours after receiving sedation.

• It is recommended that a responsible adult be with you until morning.

• Do not lift more than 5 lbs. and avoid any strenuous activity affecting the upper body such as pushing, pulling or straining for 10 days.

POST -PROCEDURE PAIN:

• Pain control following your procedure is a priority for both you and your Physicians.
• Some soreness or tenderness at the site is to be expected for several days. We recommend taking over the counter analgesics to help relieve this pain.
• Alternative methods for pain relief include but not limited to heat or cold compress, relaxation techniques, rest, and changing of positions. 
• If pain continues after 5-7 days or you have severe pain not relieved by medication, please contact us as directed below.     

POST-PROCEDURE SITE CARE:

• You will have a bandage over the incision on your chest and another small bandage at your neck.  Keep the bandages dry.  You may remove the small bandage at your neck and chest in 24 hours and leave open to air.  After 24 hours, you may shower normally. Clean gently and pat dry.

• There are no stitches to be removed.  They are internal and dissolvable.  Externally, we use skin glue, or dermabond.

• Skin Glue: Don’t put liquid, ointment, or cream on your wound while the glue is in place. Don’t do activities that cause heavy sweating. Protect the wound from the sunlight. Don’t scratch, rub, or pick at the glue. Don’t put tape directly over the glue. The glue should peel off in 5-10 days .

• Do not submerge the area underwater for 1 week or until fully healed (no swimming/hot tub, etc.)

• Be sure your hands are clean when touching near the site.

• Do not use ointments, creams or powders on the incision.

• If you are admitted to the hospital, you will be taught to wash with Chlorhexidine (CHG) soap.  This soap reduces germs on your skin and lowers your risk of infection while in the hospital.  It will keep harmful germs off your skin for 24 hours, so it is important to use this soap daily.  The nursing staff will teach you how to shower with this soap.  If you are unable to shower, they will assist you with using it during a bed bath.  It is not necessary to continue using this soap at home.

• This soap can cause dry skin. We recommend using lotion that is compatible with CHG after each bath or shower. The nursing staff can provide you with our recommended lotion in the hospital.

DIET/MEDICATIONS:

• You may resume your previous diet after the procedure. 

• If you receive sedation or anesthesia, avoid any foods or beverages containing alcohol for at least 24 hours after the procedure. 

• Please see the Medication Reconciliation sheet for instructions regarding resuming your home medications.

CALL THE DOCTOR IF:                  

• Bright red blood has soaked the bandage. 

• You have pain not relieved by medication.  Some soreness at the site is to be expected.

• You have  Chills, body aches, fever greater than 101⁰F

• Redness, swelling or warmth at or around the incision 

• Drainage or pus coming from the incision

• Increased tenderness around the incision

• You have opening of the edges of the incision.

• You have swelling of the face, neck, chest or arm on the side where the port was placed.    

For severe problems such as excessive bleeding, chest pain or shortness of breath, please call 911.

For any of the above symptoms or for problems or concerns related to the procedure,  call  913-588-4846 for Monday-Friday 7-5.  After-hours and weekends, please call  913-588-5000 and ask for the Interventional Radiology Resident on-call.