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Chemotherapy: FOLFOX

Ports: Defined, Advantages, Risks, Care Of

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FOLFOX is generally infused through a port inserted in the body known by a variety of names such as a Chemo Port, Medi-Port, Medport,, Port-a-Cath or VAP (Venal Access Point).

What A Port Is

A port is a plastic or metal device, about the size of a quarter or smaller, that comes in a variety of shapes, that has a thin, flexible tube attached to the inside that is threaded into a large vein.

Purposes Of A Port

  • A port allows drugs to be administered directly into a vein while preventing damage that would otherwise occur from continuous infusion through a needle in a vein.
  • A port makes it easy to draw blood for testing purposes.
  • A port also prevents administered drugs from leaking out and hurting your skin.  

Advantages of A Port

Studies indicate that patients feel a port improves quality of life because of:

  • Decreased pain
  • Less need for needle sticks
  • Quicker blood draws.

Risks of a Port

Like all medical procedures, there are risks to be considered before agreeing to a port. Risks of using ports include:

  • The risk of damaging a vein or puncturing your lungs.
  • The risk that bacteria can access the body where it can cause a severe infection to an already weakened, immune-compromised, body.
  • A port can cause blood around it to clot which can cause blood clots or block access to the port. 
  • Dislodgement of the port.
  • Skin erosion.

Care of a Port

A port needs to be flushed periodically when you are not receiving infusions.

NOTE: If you would prefer not to have a port, CAPEOX substitutes 5FU pills for the continuous infusion and is an alternative to FOLFOX infused through a vein. If this is of interest to you, speak with your doctor.


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