About Port Removal
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with small incisions.Typically performed as an outpatient surgery, allowing same-day discharge.Resolves issues like infection, pain, or device malfunction.Restores the natural appearance of the chest area.Performed by specialized cardiac surgeons with expertise in vascular access.Low risk of complications when performed electively./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Completion of the intended therapy (e.g., chemotherapy, long-term antibiotics).
- Port site infection (cellulitis or bacteremia) that does not resolve with antibiotics.
- Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI).
- Port malfunction, such as occlusion, leakage, or catheter fracture.
- Venous thrombosis (clot) associated with the catheter.
- Persistent pain or skin erosion over the port.
- Patient request after long-term remission or cure of the underlying condition.
How to prepare
- Complete pre-operative blood tests and possibly an imaging study to assess port position.
- Disclosure of all medications, especially blood thinners, which may need to be paused.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure if sedation or general anesthesia is planned.
- Arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (local with sedation vs. general) with the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
- Informed consent process detailing the procedure, risks, and benefits.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or hematoma (bruising) at the incision site.
- Infection of the surgical wound.
- Damage to surrounding nerves, leading to temporary numbness.
- Rare risk of air embolism or catheter fragment embolism during removal.
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia or other medications.
- Scar formation at the incision site.
- Recurrence of pain or very rarely, injury to the vein.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Discharge usually on the same day after a short observation period.
- Incision site care: Keep the area clean and dry for 48 hours; then gentle washing is permitted.
- Stitches may be dissolvable or require removal in 7-10 days.
- Mild pain or soreness managed with over-the-counter pain relievers as advised.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and submerging the wound in water (baths, pools) for 1-2 weeks.
- Monitor for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever) and report them immediately.
- Most normal activities can be resumed within a few days to a week.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 7-14 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering port removal in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for port removal in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform port removal. MediFyr helps you compare cardiac surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for port removal compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Port Removal in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated cardiac surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing port removal.
Anika Smith, a 42-year-old high school...
Anika Smith, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, had a port placed three years ago after being diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma. Following a successful course of chemotherapy and a clear scan for two years, her oncologist declared her in remission. While grateful, Anika found the port under her right collarbone a constant physical and emotional reminder of her illness. It was occasionally uncomfortable during hugs with her children and made her feel 'like a patient' rather than a survivor. Her cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Evans, recommended its removal as it was no longer medically necessary and posed a small long-term risk of infection or clotting. The outpatient procedure under local anesthesia was quick. Anika felt only pressure and a strange 'sliding' sensation as the catheter was withdrawn. Recovery involved a few days of soreness and keeping the small incision dry. Within a week, she was back to her full routine, including swimming with her kids. Emotionally, the removal was profoundly symbolic. Before the procedure, she felt tethered to her cancer past. Afterward, holding her hand over the smooth, barely-there scar, she felt a surge of closure and freedom, finally allowing herself to fully embrace her identity as a survivor moving forward.
Cardiac surgeons for Port Removal
Explore experienced cardiac surgeons who regularly perform port removal and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 37 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 30 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
- 31 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 23 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 17 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore