Certain medical conditions make it convenient for you to have a port and catheter surgery conducted on you. Port and catheter surgeries are necessary for patients who have to go for regular chemotherapy sessions, dialysis, frequent blood transfusion, or are in need of regular nutritional support need. They make it easier to administer treatment.
Port and catheter are devices connected to a major vein under your skin, either on your arm or your chest, through minor surgery. This makes it easier to administer drugs to patients who have to undergo the treatment procedures listed above without making new holes in the skin in every session. In this article, we explain the key things you need to know about port and catheter surgeries.
What Does a Port and Catheter Surgery Entail?
Just as the name indicates, the port acts as a self-sealing portal made of silicone repeatedly punctured several times instead of the skin. It is connected to the catheter, a long tube that enables the fluids that patients are injected with to reach the bloodstream.
These two are put in place by undergoing minor surgery. They will then facilitate the carrying of nutrients and medicine into your bloodstream. A port is usually added to the catheter to reduce instances of your veins undergoing wear and tear.
Why a Port and Catheter Surgery?
People with kidney conditions, cancer, or other medical conditions requiring regular treatment involving puncturing the skin need this kind of surgery for effective treatment. These conditions require the patient to undergo treatment for a long time, and your skin will be subjected to a great predicament if you don’t have this kind of surgery in place.
For instance, you may be required to take antibiotics or medicine for several weeks or months, get additional nutritional support, dialysis for several times a week and take cancer drugs. While there are other methods in which you can take the medicines and fluids, most require injections, a reason why a port and catheter comes in handy.
How Do You Take Care of Your Port and Catheter?
The port contains a silicone top where a needle with medicine or fluids is inserted. The port is connected to a catheter which is a tube connected to a large vein in your body. A trained professional is the only one allowed to get medicine or nutrients to your body using the port. Ensure that the port is dressed with a sterile bandage to prevent infection. You are free to involve yourself in an activity like swimming or bathing as long as your doctor says it is okay to do so. Every month, your port is flushed to help avoid any instances of blood clots.