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.
Where surgery is performed
Dr. Tufts operates at AdventHealth Port Charlotte and Murdock Surgery Center. Consultations and follow-up visits are at the Charlotte Harbor Surgical office in Port Charlotte.
Sources
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tufts
Call Charlotte Harbor Surgical in Port Charlotte. Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 noon.