“Last week they put me in the Port for the administration of chemotherapy. Can I swim in the sea? I’m afraid it will get infected.”
He answers Annamaria Molino, professor at the School of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Verona, former Director of the Complex Operating Unit of Medical Oncology and of the Breast Group at the Integrated University Hospital of Verona.
To perform chemotherapy safely, without the risk of drugs leaking from the veins and without the risk of phlebitis (inflammation of the vein wall), it is generally preferred to use a central venous access. The two most commonly used types of access are PICC (peripheral insertion central venous catheter) and Port-a-Cath (fully implantable central catheter).
In the case of the PICC, the catheter is inserted into the middle third of the arm, above the elbow, to ensure maximum mobility. Externally, the catheter with the transparent dressing will be visible. When not in use the PICC will be covered with a dressing. It is generally used for therapies that last a maximum of 6 months. Where the catheter is inserted into the vein there remains a solution of continuity in the skin, so the area must be medicated periodically; you have to be very careful not to get it wet with the shower and you can’t take a bath.
The Port-a-Cath instead it is a long-term device. The system is implanted under the skin and there are no external elements; through a special needle the Port can be used to make intravenous injections or infusions without the need to search for the vein. The system consists of a reservoir placed in a subcutaneous pocket and a catheter that starts from the reservoir and enters a large vein. Finally, it is equipped with a pierceable septum where the needle must be inserted. The subcutaneous pocket has no communication with the outside and at the end of the positioning only a small scar is seen. Once the scar is well healed and closed and the stitches have been removed, there are no dangers and you can take a bath.
If you want to be sure that your wound is well established, have it seen by a doctor. Once the doctor has reassured her, she can safely take a bath.