Port Placement (Implanted Port / Port-a-Cath)

An implanted port (often called a port-a-cath or chemo port) is a small device placed under the skin, usually in the chest, and connected to a thin tube (catheter) in a large vein. It lets your care team give chemotherapy, IV medicines or nutrition and draw blood with less wear on your veins.

Port placement

The port is placed in a minor surgery. You may be asleep, or awake with medicine to help you relax and numbing medicine at the site. You can usually go home the same day. Afterward you will feel a small bump under the skin, and the area may be sore for a few days.

When you no longer need the port

A port can be removed in another short outpatient procedure once your treatment team no longer needs it.

Call your care team if you notice redness, swelling, drainage or warmth around the port, or a fever. For an emergency, call 911.

Where surgery is performed

Dr. Campbell operates at AdventHealth Port Charlotte and Murdock Surgery Center. Consultations and follow-up visits take place at the Charlotte Harbor Surgical office in Port Charlotte.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus: Central venous catheter – port
  2. National Cancer Institute: Port (definition)

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Campbell

Call Charlotte Harbor Surgical in Port Charlotte. Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 noon.

Call (941) 391-5102