Nurse Explains Ports Used for Chemotherapy Treatments in Mesothelioma ... - MesotheliomaHelp.net (blog)

Mesothelioma patients often have chemotherapy treatment at some point in their journey with the disease. In fact, within the standard framework of cancer treatments, chemotherapy is considered the most effective single modality for the treatment of mesothelioma and is likely to be the most commonly deployed treatment as well. Depending on the agent used, chemotherapy can be given many different ways. Some routes are by mouth, others intravenously, and still some treatments deliver the drug directly into the body cavity affected via catheters placed during surgery and administered after the surgery, or in a wash during surgery.

Chemotherapy is most often given intravenously, and can be very irritating to the veins. When you are scheduled for chemotherapy the chemo nurse will need to start an IV through a vein in your arm. Often the veins become sclerosed, or hardened, and very difficult to find. This can result in multiple attempts to start the IV causing discomfort to the patient. It also can delay the treatment. One option often available to avoid inserting an IV at each treatment is the insertion of subcutaneous port – under the skin – into a larger vein. The insertion of the port is a minor surgical procedure with less than one percent chance of complications.

The decision to place a port is made in conjunction with your care team. Often the guideline that oncologists use is the number of treatments the patient requires. If the patient needs four or more chemotherapy treatments, often a port is recommended. During the course of mesothelioma treatments, patients will also have blood tests to ensure proper levels for the various readings, and may need other medicines delivered intravenously. The advantages of a port are that your care team always has access, your bloods can be drawn from it, and blood products and other medicines can be infused through it.

The port is usually placed during a same day procedure. Most doctors like it inserted at least a week before the beginning of chemotherapy. It is usually inserted by an interventional radiologist under local anesthesia and IV conscious sedation, and can be placed in the chest or the arm.

A port consists of three parts: a portal or a small chamber with a septum on the top, the catheter which is a thin flexible tube, and a catheter connector that connects the catheter to the portal. The catheter is a long thin flexible tube that protects the vein during the treatment.

Patients usually appreciate having a port placed as it can be more comfortable and reliable during their treatment. Removal is done when it is no longer required. Various studies have proven that Port-a-Cath placement results in preservation of the smaller veins for emergencies, decreased hospital stays, and increased patient satisfaction.

Mesothelioma patients presented with this option should discuss it with their care team. Port-a-Caths can be life savers.

If you have questions about your chemotherapy treatments or any aspect of your mesothelioma care, feel free to email me at LHyde-Barrett@mesotheliomahelp.net.

More articles by Lisa Hyde-Barrett

Lisa Hyde-Barrett has been a thoracic surgery nurse for nearly 25 years, and has the skill and knowledge to care for and support mesothelioma patients. Through her work, she has helped ease the stress of patients and their families by offering a comforting hand. She is passionate about helping the mesothelioma community.