Step By Step
At a hospital, you might find this same procedure to be an all-day affair. Here at California Surgery Specialist, we provide the same quality and get you in and out in under an hour. Plus our specialized team is focused on taking care of just you, and your port placement.
Step 1: Check in
Our friendly receptionist will check you in and have you fill out any paperwork if needed. (estimated time: 10 minutes)
Step 2: Meet Dr. Harris and our team
After checking in, you will get a chance to meet with Dr. Harris who will explain the procedure and answer any questions or address any concerns you might have. (estimated time: 20 minutes)
STEP 3: UNDERGO THE Port-a-Cath procedure
The office nurses will have you change into a medical gown and record your vital signs. Dr. Harris will then perform the port procedure which usually takes about 8-9 minutes. (estimated time: 30 minutes, including check-out)
That’s it! Most patients are in and out of our facility in under an hour. Without sedation or general anesthesia you won’t have to ‘recover’ from ‘surgery’ and will be able to resume your normal activities immediately.
General Port Placement Instructions
There is no preparation required before your port is placed. Patients on blood thinners will need to discuss their individual case with our office and/or your prescribing physician to get instructions on if or when to stop them.
On the day of your port placement you are able to eat, drink and take medications before and after your procedure as you normally would. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes, especially shirts/tops which are easy to remove before the procedure and put on after the procedure.
Your port will be placed using local anesthesia meaning we do not use general anesthesia or sedation. This allows you to drive yourself to and from your appointment if desired. At the end of your procedure we will place medical skin glue over the incision.
You may shower normally 48 hours after the procedure. We ask that you do not submerge the incision in water (bath tub, pool, jacuzzi, ocean, etc.) or participate in sports requiring over arm activities (golf, tennis, yoga, etc.) for 2 weeks after the procedure.
The sutures used during the procedure will dissolve on their own. Patients find that they are sore after the procedure but rarely that they have pain. Tylenol is always sufficient to control soreness.
Our nurses will make sure that you are comfortable, and all your questions are answered before leaving our facility after your procedure. However, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call our office. Our team is here to help.
