Can IV port be implanted twice into same side?

Options
SccS
SccS Member Posts: 78
edited March 2017 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

The other side is the mastectomy side and as far as I understand it can't be used for the central venous catheter.

Can a port be removed and inserted back on the same (non-operated) side say, in a year after removal?

I can't find that information at all. Please help.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Wildplaces
    Wildplaces Member Posts: 864
    edited March 2017

    In general my understanding is Yes.


    Although the position of all ports is about the same - some surgeons access the internal jugular vein (higher) and some the subclavian - there are small pro and cons for both and it seems to be a "personal technique taught preference" in many cases. It is done under II - image intensifier to confirm position.


    It is more difficult to insert/reinsert a port if there has been infection at the site (needs to wait until clear, other forms of access is offered), clot, and technically morbid obesity and kyphoscoliosis.


    My oncologist suggested that I would have the port in about two years after chemo - on a personal basis I could not wait to get rid of it - but I have settled a little more into my diagnosis and I think now I am just happy to be getting better - the port can stay a little longer.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Grannyof3
    Grannyof3 Member Posts: 36
    edited March 2017

    Hi!

    I had my port removed 2 years ago. Had to have it put back in last year. It's about an inch away from my original one. I asked my surgeon if it was possible to put it under where my bathing suit strap was. (It showed with my last one) He said he'd try, so I put on my swimsuit the morning of surgery and drew lines where my strap was. He was able to put my port right in the middle so at least I can go swimming without it showing.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SccS
    SccS Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2017

    Wildplaces, thank you, your info gave me hope. So as long as another vein is accessed, another port can be put in if there's no infection?

    I'm looking forward to other people giving their opinion on the matter as well.

    Thank you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SccS
    SccS Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2017

    Grannyof3, thank you! Do you know if he used same veins?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wildplaces
    Wildplaces Member Posts: 864
    edited March 2017

    From anatomy books

    No the "same veins" get accessed - usually it will be one of two:

    Internal jugular vein ( drains head - easier in overweight people but the port sometimes sits a little higher and may be seen - I am of normal weight but my surgeon did the IJV and as grannyof3 my port sits a little higher then I would have hoped...)

    Subclavian vein ( drains arm) - lower but the access site has a very small risk of pneumothorax ( hence the imaging during procedure) - and why some surgeons go for the IJV

    The two above veins unite in the chest and form brachiocephalic.

    But yes if there is no infection you can and many do women do have their port put back in for various reasons - recurrence being the most obvious and horrid...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SccS
    SccS Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2017

    Thank you all. And lastly, is it possible to put it back more than one time on the same side?

    Has anyone heard of that?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited March 2017

    if the vein has not developed scar tissue from the previous port

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wildplaces
    Wildplaces Member Posts: 864
    edited March 2017

    Yep - spot on Beatmon.

    Generally you would want to minimise reinsertion times - they are all covered by antibiotics but once you have been in one spot there risk of infection is higher...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SccS
    SccS Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2017

    I think it's impossible not to have a scar on a vein from a port. Is it?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wildplaces
    Wildplaces Member Posts: 864
    edited March 2017

    Yes - but repeated reinsertion will increase that and maymake floating the port in the right position more difficult.

    Once or twice at some time distance is fine but a repeated process is technically more challenging 😊

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited March 2017

    Yes, it is possible to place ports multiple times in the same place. I have a client in dialysis who has probably had 20 ports placed. He has had multiple ports on both sides of his chest and in both groins.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SccS
    SccS Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2017

    mustlovepoodle,

    Thank you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories