Patient education: Port removal (The Basics)

What is a port? — A port is a type of central line, which is a special kind of IV. It has a small "reservoir" that is attached to a thin, flexible tube called a "catheter" (figure 1).

Both the reservoir and the catheter are under the skin, most often in the upper chest. The catheter goes into a large blood vessel that leads to the heart. The reservoir is a round disc that is covered with a special silicone. The silicone allows the port to be used over and over.

Why might a port need to be removed? — You might have a port removed because it is:

●No longer needed

●Blocked, broken, or leaking

●Infected

How do I prepare for port removal? — Having a port removed is usually a simple procedure. This might be done in a treatment area, in a radiology department, or during surgery.

Ask the doctor or nurse if you have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.

What happens during port removal? — A doctor will take out the port. To do this:

●The doctor will numb your skin and make a small cut (incision). This is usually done through the same incision that was used to place the port. Then, they will carefully remove the reservoir and catheter.

●They will close the pocket and the incision. They will place a special bandage over the area.

●They will hold firm pressure on the area for a few minutes. This is to make sure that there is no bleeding.

●They will check the length of the catheter to make sure all of it was removed.

●The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes.

What happens after port removal?

●You might be able to go home after the procedure. If you are already in the hospital for other reasons, having a port removed will not make your stay longer.

●Avoid strenuous arm movement for 24 to 48 hours after having a port removed.

●If the area is sore, ice might help. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the area. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

●Keep the dressing clean and dry for 48 hours, or as long as you were told. After at least 24 hours, you can take off the dressing. Wash the area with soap and water. Cover it with a bandage until the wound looks healed.

What problems can happen with port removal? — Usually, having a port removed does not cause problems. But some people have problems such as:

●A hematoma (collection of blood in the pocket) or seroma (collection of fluid in the pocket) – These are usually not serious and go away on their own. But sometimes, you might need another procedure to remove the blood or fluid.

●An infection in the skin or the bloodstream

●Needing to get another type of IV for more treatments

When should I call the doctor?

●You have symptoms of an infection – These include a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, or redness, drainage, warmth, stinging, or pain where the port was removed.

●You have swelling or a lot of bruising where the port was under your skin.

●The bruising starts to move lower on the chest.

●The area where the port was removed starts bleeding and does not stop with gentle pressure.

More on this topic

Patient education: Port insertion (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a port (The Basics)
Patient education: Seroma (The Basics)