Implanted port makes chemotherapy easier

In cancer treatment, chemotherapy requires frequent injections, infusions of medication and other fluids directly into the bloodstream; implanted ports make these procedures more comfortable for the patients. In a short surgical procedure, the port, which is a small device with a hollow space inside that is sealed by a soft top, is implanted in the body of the patient; typically in the chest. It is placed completely beneath the patient’s skin, and is connected to a small flexible tube, which is inserted inside a blood vessel.

The port acts like an IV to the bloodstream. A special needle is inserted just below the surface of your skin and into the port so that medications and fluids can be given, and blood samples withdrawn. And the patient doesn’t have to take any special care of the port.

Speaking at the session, Dr. Geeta Kadayaprath, renowned surgical oncologist from Max Cancer Centre said, “The advantage of implanted ports is increased quality of life & the minimal impact on the patient’s lifestyle. Compared to other centrally placed vascular access devices, ports are more likely to permit you to go about your normal day-to-day activities, like playing with your children, jogging, showering and swimming etc.

The technology of implanted ports is aimed at increasing ease of patients and simplifying the cancer care where the chemotherapy treatment requires frequent and long term access to the bloodstream for medication delivery, blood withdrawals, parenteral nutrition and long term antibiotics.

As frequent needle sticks and certain cancer medications can damage the peripheral veins in your arm, making access more difficult over time an implanted port allows the doctor or nurse to carry out all these procedures without having to repeatedly stick your arm veins directly with a needle &also minimizes the damage to your veins.”