This information explains how to care for yourself after your procedure to remove your implanted port or CVC. In this resource, the words “you” and “your” refer to either you or your child.
Managing Your Pain
If you have pain, you may be able to take a pain medication to relieve it. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Call your healthcare provider if you still have pain after taking the medication.
If your healthcare provider used a local anesthetic (medication to numb an area of your body) during your procedure, the area may be numb for a few hours afterward. This is normal.
Caring for Your Dressing (Bandage)
After your procedure, the area where your implanted port or CVC used to be will be covered with a dressing (bandage). Leave the bandage on for 24 hours (1 day) after your procedure.
You may also have sutures (stitches), Steri Strips™ (thin strips of paper tape), or Dermabond® (surgical glue) under the bandage. If you have sutures, they’ll dissolve on their own and don’t need to be removed. If you have Steri-Strips or Dermabond, it’ll start to peel off on its own after about 7 to 10 days. If it hasn’t fallen off after 10 days, you can take it off.
The area where your implanted port or CVC used to be will be healed about 6 to 8 weeks after your procedure.
Instructions for Showering
Don’t shower for 24 hours (1 day) after your procedure. Keep your bandage clean and dry.
After 24 hours, you can remove your bandage and shower. Wash the area gently with soap and water. Rinse your skin well. After your shower, pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel. You don’t need to put on another bandage.
Don’t take a bath, go in a pool, or submerge the area where your implanted port or CVC used to be for 1 to 2 weeks after your procedure. Your healthcare provider will tell you the exact length of time to avoid these things.
Activities
- You can go back to your regular diet after your procedure.
- Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) for 3 days.
- If you had an implanted port, don’t play any contact sports (such as football or soccer) for 6 to 8 weeks after your procedure.
- If you need a note for school or work, ask your healthcare provider.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
Call your healthcare provider if you have:
- Redness that’s getting worse
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Any discharge or bleeding from the area where your implanted port or CVC used to be
- A fever of 100.4 °F (38.0 °C) or higher
- Pain that doesn’t get better with medication