If you need a port for chemotherapy or a catheter for dialysis treatments, Rohit K. Sahai, MD, a board-certified surgeon practicing at Sonoran Surgical in Chandler, Arizona, provides expert port placement procedures. Call Sonoran Surgical or schedule a consultation online today to learn how Dr. Sahai can help you.

Port Placements Q & A

 What is a port placement?

When you need to receive medicine frequently or have dialysis treatments, your doctor may recommend placing a port in your body to make it easier to administer your medication.

A port is a device that Dr. Sahai places under your skin. The port connects to one of your veins with a catheter. Ports include septums that allow your doctor to inject your medication or draw blood samples with less discomfort than a traditional needle stick. Dr. Sahai usually places ports in your chest near your collarbone or your upper arm.

You aren’t able to see your port, although you have a small bump under your skin.

Why would I need a port?

Ports are often used for patients who are battling cancer or a kidney or blood disease. Your doctor may use your port to deliver chemotherapy or pain medication. When your doctor provides your medicine or other treatment through a port, you avoid having multiple needle sticks.

If you have kidney disease and need dialysis, your port includes external catheters that attach to the dialysis machine. Your blood flows into the device, which filters out toxins and impurities, before returning the clean blood back into your body.

What happens during a port placement procedure?

Dr. Sahai surgically places a port in your body while you’re sedated and anesthetized. He makes two small incisions. He places the port in your chest and inserts the catheter into your vein. The procedure doesn’t usually take very long, and you can get back to your regular activities fairly quickly.

How should I take care of my port?

Dr. Sahai gives you specific aftercare instructions after your port placement procedure. However, in general, you need to avoid getting your port wet for about a week after your surgery. You shouldn’t have too much pain after your procedure — over-the-counter pain relievers should reduce any discomfort.

After your port site heals, you should keep it clean and avoid touching it when any of the catheter tips are exposed. Dr. Sahai or a member of his team show you how to clean and care for your port.

Call Sonoran Surgical today or make an appointment online to learn about your port placement options.