Port-a-Catheter Removal
(Port Removal)
Port-a-catheter removal is a procedure to remove a device that draws blood or gives treatments, including intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, or drugs such as chemotherapy and antibiotics. Your surgeon will make a small incision over the port and remove the device. Then your skin will be closed with sutures and covered with steri-strips or surgical glue.
At A Glance: Port-a-Catheter Removal
Also Known As
Port Removal
Anesthesia
General
Hospital Stay
Inpatient
Typical Recovery Time
6-12 Months
Surgery Code
23515
Typical Price Range
Tell Me About The Surgery
Procedure Research and Consultation
How is port-a-catheter removal surgery done?
Your surgeon makes a small incision over the port and removes the device. Then your skin is closed with sutures and covered with steri-strips or surgical glue.
What issue does a port-a-catheter removal surgery solve?
Your port, a device for giving treatments or drawing blood, is removed after it is no longer needed.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
A procedure that involves a smaller incision and a less invasive technique, shortening recovery time.
Do I have options for anesthesia for port-a-catheter removal surgery?
Local anesthesia, and sometimes sedation, are usually used for port-a-catheter removal procedures.
How do I know a port-a-catheter removal procedure is right for me?
Port-a-catheter removal is performed when you no longer need a port that has been implanted.
How safe is port-a-catheter removal surgery?
The procedure is considered largely safe and effective. You should also know that Hancock Regional Hospital has been rated one of the safest hospitals in America by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit health care watchdog organization, and was named the safest hospital in Indiana on the Lown Institute Hospital Index.
What are the possible side effects and complications of port-a-catheter removal surgery?
Some of the possible side effects and complications of a port removal procedure are bruising, swelling, and tenderness where the port was removed.
What are the possible side effects of local anesthesia?
Some temporary side effects of local anesthesia can include nausea, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, twitching muscles, numbness, and tingling.
What are the alternatives to port-a-catheter removal surgery?
The alternative to port-a-catheter removal surgery is continuing to live with your port in your body.
What are the risks of not having port-a-catheter removal surgery?
The risk of not having port-a-catheter removal surgery is that you will continue to live with the port in your body, and that increases the risk of infections, blockages, and clots.
What kind of outcome is typical for port-a-catheter removal surgery?
Many port-a-catheter removal patients return to most of their usual routines within a day or two after the procedure. Any bruising, swelling, or tenderness typically goes away in three to five days.
Consultation and Choosing A Surgeon or Surgical Team
Do I need a referral to see a surgeon for a port-a-catheter removal procedure?
You don’t need a referral to see a surgeon about a port-a-catheter removal procedure.
What should I bring to my first appointment with a surgeon?
Insurance information Medical records, including your medical history, from your primary care physicianA complete list of all medications you take on a regular basis, including any over-the-counter medicationYour most recent diagnostic labs and imaging (Not sure where to go? Check out Gateway Hancock Health, where you’ll be able to get in and out quickly and pay, on average, 70% less than you’ll pay at a hospital.)
Do I have to get a second or third opinion for a port-a-catheter removal procedure?
You can always get a second or third opinion, but it isn’t required.
How should I decide which surgeon’s advice to follow?
You should work with the surgeon with whom you feel comfortable, whether that’s one of our surgeons or not.
Will the surgical team know my health history?
Your health history will be compiled and available to the team before, during, and after surgery. If you’re a Hancock Health patient, we will be able to access your records within our system. If you aren’t, we will work with your doctors to get the necessary information.
Why might I have to wait to schedule a port-a-catheter removal procedure?
In some cases, it takes time for a patient’s body to be ready for a port-a-catheter removal procedure. For example, if you have another medical issue, including another surgical procedure or illness, we might wait to perform your port-a-catheter removal surgery. Your health and safety are our top priority, so we schedule surgeries when they’re best for our patients.
What happens if my symptoms get worse while I wait for my port-a-catheter removal surgery?
Your surgical team will evaluate the situation and help you make a choice that’s right for you and your health.
Insurance & Cost
How much does a port-a-catheter removal cost?
Consult the price transparency tool at HancockRegionalHospital.org for an idea of how much a port-a-catheter removal surgery might cost.
Will insurance cover my port-a-catheter removal?
In most cases, insurance will cover most of the costs associated with a port-a-catheter removal procedure. To obtain an estimate of your possible out-of-pocket expenses, use our Price Estimator Tool.
Will Medicare cover a port-a-catheter removal procedure?
Medicare parts A and B will cover the cost of a port-a-catheter removal procedure, but it’s important for your doctor to indicate that the surgery is medically necessary.
What payment options are available for a port-a-catheter removal procedure at Hancock Health?
Hancock Health is committed to helping make great care affordable for all patients. To find out more about payment options, please visit the billing and insurance FAQ page at HancockRegionalHospital.org.
Pre-op and Day of Surgery
How should I prepare for a port-a-catheter removal?
Follow the directions your care team gives you to prepare for your procedure.
Why can’t I eat before surgery?
If you’re asked to stop eating before your procedure, it’s likely because of the type of anesthesia your care team plans to use. With some types of anesthesia, there’s a risk of aspiration, which means you’re breathing foreign objects, like food or saliva, into your lungs. This can occur because the anesthesia used in your procedure can impair your body’s ability to stop the contents of your stomach from entering your lungs.
What should I expect right before my port-a-catheter removal procedure?
You’ll arrive several hours before your surgery and be escorted to the preoperative waiting area.You’ll remove all of your clothing and jewelry and put on a hospital gown. (Your valuables will be placed in a secure area or may be given to a family member.) You’ll sign any necessary paperwork, and a preoperative nurse will take your vital signs, review your medications, and answer any questions.You’ll meet the members of your care team. An I.V. (intravenous line) may be placed in your hand or arm so medication, including anesthesia, can be administered.When it’s time for your procedure, you will be wheeled into the operating suite.
Will I need someone to take me home after a port-a-catheter removal procedure?
You will likely be released to go home the same day as your procedure. But when it’s time for you to leave, you will need someone to drive you home. If you don’t have a ride, we’ll help you arrange one.
Why are there so many people on my surgery team?
In addition to the surgeon, you have an anesthesiologist, nurses—some of whom specialize in working with patients and others assist the surgeon—and support staff, who get you checked in and out, compile your records, and more. They all work together, performing their individual jobs, so the procedure is as successful as possible.
Why am I asked for my name and date of birth every time I get medicine?
It’s a safety precaution to make sure you’re receiving the medication that’s prescribed for you.
What do I need to bring to the hospital on the day of my port-a-catheter removal surgery?
You will likely be released to go home the same day as your port-a-catheter removal procedure, but it’s a good idea to be prepared. Bring anything you might need for an overnight stay, including a change of underwear, a sweatshirt, robe, glasses or contacts, headphones, and your medications.
How long will it take for the anesthesia to wear off after my port-a-catheter removal surgery?
It usually takes about an hour for local anesthesia to wear off, but you may notice the effects for several hours.
During Surgery
What will happen during my port-a-catheter removal?
The area around your port will be numbed and you might be sedated for the procedure. Your surgeon will make a small incision over the port and remove the device. Then, your skin will be closed with sutures and covered with steri-strips or surgical glue.
When will my family be informed about how I’m doing?
Our associates will get information from the surgical team in the operating room during your surgery and keep them updated.
How long will the port-a-catheter removal surgery take?
A port-a-catheter removal procedure takes 15 t0 30 minutes.
How long will I be under?
You will likely be given a local anesthetic, so you’ll be awake—but comfortable—during the procedure.
How long will I be in the hospital after port-a-catheter removal surgery?
While the length of a hospital stay depends on each patient’s individual needs, patients are typically discharged the same day as the procedure.
After Surgery
What can I expect right after my port-a-catheter removal surgery?
After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery room where you will stay until you’re ready to be released.
How will I know if the port-a-catheter removal worked?
Your surgeon will discuss your procedure with you.
When will I get to talk to my surgeon after my port-a-catheter removal procedure?
You’ll be able to talk to your surgeon immediately after your procedure, while you’re in the recovery room.
How soon after a port-a-catheter removal procedure will I be up and moving around?
You will be up and moving around as soon as possible, and probably be able to go home, after the procedure.
Will I receive pain medication right after surgery?
Most patients receive pain medication immediately following the procedure.
How soon after my port-a-catheter removal procedure can I eat or drink?
You can return to your regular diet following the procedure.
Will I need to fill any prescriptions or take medication after my port-a-catheter removal procedure?
Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to ease any discomfort associated with the procedure.
Recovery and Follow-Up
What will I need to do to prepare for my recovery from a port-a-catheter removal procedure?
Make sure you have the appropriate groceries for when you arrive home from the port-a-catheter removal surgery. If you live alone, you may want to arrange for a friend or family member to check in with you.
How should I prepare for my at-home recovery?
You may want to ask a friend or a relative to check on you.
If I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after a port-a-catheter removal surgery, how is that arranged?
Our associates will help you arrange the postoperative care you’ll need, but port removal patients typically do not need physical therapy or rehabilitation.
Will I need any follow-up appointments or procedures?
Your doctor will likely schedule a follow-up appointment about two weeks after your port-a-catheter removal procedure.
Will there be any scarring or stitches to remove?
Stitches from a port-a-catheter removal procedure typically dissolve on their own. You will likely have a scar, but it will fade with time.
What do I need to care for any wounds or incisions?
Following your port-a-catheter removal procedure, your doctor will give you specific instructions about how to care for your wound. Generally, you will need any medications and dressings your care team recommends. You will also need to keep the wound clean as it heals.
What should I do if I have an emergency or accident after my port-a-catheter removal surgery?
If you have an emergency following your procedure, call your surgeon’s office. If you’re in need of immediate emergency services, go to the nearest emergency room.
When will I be able to get back to work after my port-a-catheter removal?
Most people are able to return to work and other activities a day after the procedure.
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