Chemotherapy Port Placement & Removal in Boulder, CO

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy can benefit from having a port placed to facilitate the distribution of medicine more easily. Chemotherapy ports, sometimes called implantable ports, mediports, or port-a-caths, are discreet, small devices that physicians implant under the skin. They show up as a little pimple beneath the skin while not in use.

At Alpine Surgical, we offer chemotherapy port placement and removal in Boulder, CO. 

Safe and Efficient Access for Cancer Treatment

A chemo port is a tiny, implanted device made up of several pieces:

• Reservoir – the port’s body. This will be surgically implanted beneath the skin, usually right above the breastbone in the chest area. It acts as a secure entry point for the delivery of medicine.

• Septum – a self-sealing, rubber-like substance called a septum covers the reservoir’s top. Medical personnel must enter the port through the septum using a specialized needle to administer medication or take blood.

• Catheter – a thin, flexible tube that runs from the port to a large vein close to the heart and is connected to the reservoir. It makes it possible for chemotherapeutic drugs to enter the bloodstream directly.

There are two types of chemo ports: single-lumen and double-lumen ports. A single-lumen port provides one access point, while the double-lumen port can support two needles at the same time. However, most cancer patients only need a single-lumen port.

Placement of the Chemotherapy Port

A chemo port installation or placement requires little surgery, typically carried out under conscious sedation or local anesthetic. Conscious sedation helps the patient remain aware but relaxed during the treatment, while local anesthesia numbs the area surrounding the port site.

Our surgeon will create a small incision on the neck to connect the catheter to a vein. Then, a small incision on the skin above the breastbone will be made to create a pocket where the port-a-cath will be placed and secured. The last step is to close the incision with surgical glue or sutures.

Usually, the entire process takes less than an hour and patients can return home. They will need someone to pick them up to get home, though, because of the effects of the anesthesia.

Chemotherapy Port at Alpine Surgical

The removal of a chemo port follows almost the same steps as the placing of it. Alpine Surgical has two surgeons who are experts at placement and removal of chemotherapy ports in Boulder, CO. Contact our office today to learn more about our chemo port services or to book an appointment.