This information explains how to care for yourself after your implanted port or Broviac® catheter is removed. For the rest of this resource, our use of the word “you” and “your” refers to you or your child.
Managing Your Pain
- When you wake up after your procedure, the area where you had your port or catheter will be numb. This is because your doctor used a local anesthetic (medication to make an area numb).
- The anesthetic will wear off after a few hours. If you’re in pain, take pain medication as recommended by your healthcare provider (HCP).
- Call your HCP if you still have pain after taking the medication.
About Your Incision
- You will have a dressing over your incision (surgical cut) site.
- You will have sutures (stitches) under your skin that dissolve and don’t need to be removed.
- You may see a clear string coming out of your incision. This is the end of the sutures. Your nurse may cut it off at your next appointment.
- You will also have Steri Strips™ (thin strips of paper tape) or glue (Dermabond®) over your incision site under the dressing.
- Your incisions will heal after 6 to 8 weeks.
Caring for your incision site
- Don’t shower for 48 hours after your procedure. Keep the dressing over your incision clean and dry.
- After 48 hours, you can remove the dressing and shower. Wash your incision site gently with soap and water. Rinse your skin well and pat it dry with a soft towel.
- After your shower, you can leave your incision uncovered. You don’t need to apply another dressing.
- Don’t take a bath or go in a pool for 2 weeks after your procedure.
- The Steri Strips will start to loosen and fall off in 7 to 10 days. If they haven’t fallen off after 10 days, you can remove them.
Activities
- You can go back to your regular diet after your procedure.
- Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) for 2 weeks.
- Don’t play any contact sports (such as football or rugby) for 6 to 8 weeks.
- If you need a note for school or work, let us know.
Call Your Healthcare Provider if You Have:
- Any signs of infection around your incision site after the first few days such as:
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Any discharge from your incision
- A temperature of 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher
- Pain that’s not controlled with medication
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns, call your healthcare provider. If you’re calling between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, call your doctor or nurse at 212-639-7002. After 5:00 pm, during the weekend, and on holidays, call 212-639-2000 and ask for the doctor on call for your doctor.
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