Yes, You Can Get a Port Removed in a Doctor's Office

missrenee
missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
So, today I had my port removed after it being in for 9 months--in my surgeon's office. I love him and trust him completely. After a couple of quick Lidocaine injections, I was pretty much numb. He made the incision right over the old one where he put it in. I felt quite a bit of pressure and tugging when he was taking the port out. Then he explained he was putting in two layers of dissolveable sutures--more pulling and tugging, but no pain (I am allergic to steri-strips). He bandaged it and it was over. The whole procedure took less than 15 minutes. At the end he said, "can you believe some docs make you go to outpatient surgery and put you under anesthesia to do this?" Honestly, it was very easy and, to me, certainly not worth the risk of going under general anesthesia (and, I'm sure, much less expensive!). I'm just sayin'

Hugs, Renee

Comments

  • cookie97
    cookie97 Member Posts: 200
    Port removal
    I also had my port removed in doc's office. Unfortunatley my experience was not quite as pleasant. First of all they could never use my port weird stuff just kept happening, hematoma etc. and then finally it was trying to come out. Surgeon took one look grabbed the novicaine and went to town. Freaked me out more than anything, but everything healed quickly. So I can see where someone with no issues would be perfectly fine to have removal done in office. Save the general anthesia for something more serious, not to mention the $$$$.

    I'm glad you had a pleasant experience, we need all those we can get!!!

    Toodles,
    Edie
  • BlownAway60
    BlownAway60 Member Posts: 851
    Glad to hear it. I want my
    Glad to hear it. I want my port out as soon as I finish Herceptin.

    Hugs

    Donna
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    glad the port removal went so smoothly. I had my port placement in radiology and I was awake so it will be interesting to see how they plan to take it out when I'm done. It's always nice to hear a positive outcome, especially one that costs less!
    Char
  • jo jo
    jo jo Member Posts: 1,175 Member
    Hi Renee
    This is some good

    Hi Renee

    This is some good info...cuz my port is coming out real soon...well when i get around to making that appointment anyway, kinda hate to loose it.
    This helps in knowing what to expect...thank you and glad it went smooth for you!
  • Skeezie
    Skeezie Member Posts: 586 Member
    jo jo said:

    Hi Renee
    This is some good

    Hi Renee

    This is some good info...cuz my port is coming out real soon...well when i get around to making that appointment anyway, kinda hate to loose it.
    This helps in knowing what to expect...thank you and glad it went smooth for you!

    Has no one heard of IV Sedation?
    Why in the world would anyone have general anesthsia to have a port removed? I love my port and plan on keeping it for the rest of my life...but if it has to come out it will be in out-patient surgery with IV Sedation. I've had enough sticks, pain and the whole nine yards....

    No hero here, Judy :-)