Chemoports: Toll Roads in Cancer Treatment

Implantable ports are implanted subcutaneously to provide access to vascular systems. They were first used in 1981, and oncology patients were the first recipients of implantable ports.
These chemoports are vascular access devices, which have known to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. They decrease the number of pricks for cannulations, and blood sampling. They are also known to prevent extravasations and occlusions. These access devices can be used for administering chemotherapy, antibiotics, nutrition, fluids, blood products, and also for frequent blood sampling. The contraindication to these Chemoports is allergies to its components. Long term, these chemoports decrease the risk of infections and there is no interference with day-to-day life. Cosmetically, the device is not visible like PICC lines which are a few inches of lines coming out of the body. The disadvantages are that it is expensive, and it needs a surgery for implantation and removal. The newer designs limits intensity of radiation dose right under the port, though it is MRI compatible it may also distort MRI images.
Thus, chemoports provide an opportunity of independent living to many cancer patients, who are anyway burdened by the disease, its treatment and its complications. A chemoport should be offered to all patients, this way we can limit the controllable stressors in the life of a cancer patient. Undoubtedly they contribute to the aim of ‘Pleasant Treatment Journey”

Different types of Chemoports: