Back
Print 

Implanted Port: What to Expect at Home

Skip Navigation

Top of the page

Your Recovery

You've had a procedure to implant a port. A port is a device placed, in most cases, under the skin of your chest below your collarbone. It is made of plastic, stainless steel, or titanium. It's about the size of a quarter, but thicker. It looks like a small bump under your skin.

A thin, flexible tube called a catheter runs under the skin from the port into a large vein. With the port, you will be able to get medicines (such as chemotherapy) with more comfort. You also can get blood, nutrients, or other fluids. Blood can be taken through the port for tests.

You will probably have some discomfort and bruising at the port site. This will go away in a few days.

The port can be used right away. You may have the port for weeks, months, or longer.

Your port will need to be flushed out regularly to keep it open. A nurse or other health professional will do this for you.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to feel better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

 
  • Avoid arm and upper body movements that may pull on the catheter for the first few days. These movements include heavy weight lifting and vigorous use of your arms.
  • You will probably need to take 1 day off from work and will be able to return to normal activities shortly after. This depends on the type of work you do, why you have the catheter, and how you feel.
  • You probably will be able to take baths and swim. But you may need to avoid some activities. Talk to your doctor about any limits on your activity.
  • Ask your doctor when you can drive again. Be careful when you pull your seat belt across your chest so it doesn't pull out the catheter. It's okay if the seat belt lays over the catheter.

Medicines

 
  • Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. He or she will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
  • If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
  • Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
    • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
    • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.

Incision care

 
  • If you have a bandage, your doctor will tell you when you can remove it. After you remove the bandage, you may shower. Wash the area with soap and water and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it weeps or rubs against clothing. Change the bandage every day.
  • If you have strips of tape on the cut (incision) the doctor made, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off.

Other instructions

 
  • Always carry the medical alert card that your doctor gives you. It contains information about your port. It will tell health care workers that you have a port in case you need emergency care.
  • When you get dressed, be careful not to rub the port. Do not wear a bra or suspenders that irritate your skin near the port.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have signs of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the area.
    • Pus draining from the area.
    • A fever.
  • You have pain or swelling in your neck or arm.
  • You have trouble breathing.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You have any problems with your line or port.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter M256 in the search box to learn more about "Implanted Port: What to Expect at Home".

Current as of: July 26, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 26, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.