How a Port is Removed
My port is coming out soon and I wanted to know how this works. I have had my port in for three years and 10 months. Here’s what I found out.
Port removal is generally a quick, minor surgical procedure which is often faster and easier than having it put in. The whole procedure should take about 30 minutes and is performed as an outpatient, meaning that you go home the same day.
Blood thinners and some other medications may have to be skipped for a day or two before the procedure. Your doctor should tell you but if not, there is no harm in asking.
There will be a small incision after local anesthesia. Talk to your doctor ahead of time if you prefer a stronger sedation.
The surgeon will separate the port from any attached scar tissue that has formed before removing the catheter, which is gently pulled out. Then the port is removed from that pocket just under your skin.
They will close the incision with either sutures or surgical glue before bandaging it up to keep the area sterile.
After-care includes keeping it dry for the first day or so and no swimming or hot tub for two weeks. No heavy lifting, over 10lbs and watch for signs of infection. Over the counter pain meds should be all that is needed and the incision will heal in 4 – 6 weeks.
Like any procedure, it comes with a few small risks:
· Anytime the skin is opened, there is a slight risk of germs getting in causing infection. Doctors usually clean the area very thoroughly to prevent this.
· It is very common to have some mild bruising, swelling, or a little bit of bleeding around the area for a few days after it is taken out.
· You will have a small scar where the doctor makes the incision to pull the port out.
· Very rarely, there can be complications such as damage to the surrounding blood vessels or tissues, or a tiny piece of the catheter could break off.
Is Now a Good Time to Remove It?
Generally, oncologists recommend waiting anywhere from 1 to 2 years of being NED before removing a port, just to be absolutely sure no more treatments are needed. This timeline depends heavily on the specific details of your health history, including your history of colon cancer. Talk to your doctor.
I have had nothing major wrong with my port. It is still functioning fine. What caused me to decide to have mine removed was a change that was very scary at first and I decided not to push my luck. My port shifted and continues to move. After a port study, I made my decision.
I am also looking at the port removal as a positive step in my cancer journey. Sort of a closure to active treatment.
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Full disclosure, I did use AI to help me write this article as I have not yet had my port removed and therfore cannot speak from experience.