Anesthesia
As Radiology Info explains, most chemotherapy ports consist of a tube (known as a catheter) which is inserted into a vein as well as a small opening (called a port) which is inserted underneath the skin and provides access to the catheter. The catheter feeds into large veins above the heart and the port is situated in the upper chest. Chemotherapy ports can be inserted either using general anesthesia (which makes the patient unconscious) or local anesthesia (which numbs sensation in the area where the port will be placed). The latter option is often combined with a mild sedative to help relax the patients and additionally reduce pain.
Surgery
The Macmillian Cancer Support website explains that chemotherapy port insertion generally involves two separate incisions. The top incision, which is about an inch long, is where the actual port will be placed. Just under it a slightly larger (between 1.5 and 2 inches in length) incision will be made. This incision will be used to thread the catheter into a vein in the chest. The catheter is then inserted into the port and the port is fitted into a small space which is made under the skin. This setup allows oncologists to inject drugs into the patient's circulation without having to insert a needle into a vein each time. After the port and catheter are situated, the incisions are then sewn up.
Recovery
After the procedure, the patient may receive an X-ray of the upper body to ensure that the port and the catheter have been put in correctly. The incisions are also covered up with a surgical dressing, which helps protect the wound and avoid infection. Otherwise, once the port and catheter have been inserted, the device is ready to use and provides easy access to the patient's venous system.
