Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Can A Damaged Vein Post Insertion Of Chest Port Be Treated?
Question: On 8th day post one tx with Taxotere, I landed in my oncology hospital ER. The nurses could not access my Bioflow port (after sticking me and pushing the port back in my chest!) then, instead, placed an IV in my R arm. Three months later, during my reconstruction, I was told that this vein was a matchstick, most probably from having Taxotere in my system. I have a no stick L arm & am afraid of ever going back to that ER. Shouldn't all ER nurses be trained in accessing ports? This is my cancer center! What recourse do I have ? The med director told me its no big deal & he/ ER/ hospital wasn't responsible.
Brief Answer:
As detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
To recapitulate: Female/65 - On 8th day post one tx with Taxotere - nurse could not access the Bioflow port - IV Right arm - after 3 months - during reconstruction - vein was a matchstick - most probably from Taxotere - afraid to go back to Oncology hospital ER - understood your concerns - should not ER nurses be trained in accessing port - what recourse ....
I can understand your feelings.
Overall incidence of having phlebo-thrombosis/thromboplebitis with Taxotere is 0.48% only and if this has happened in your case, it is really not that common.
Most of the cases will have re-canalization usually within a month or so. There is nothing specific treatment that can be tried. Leaving it alone is the best way as anything else can cause cause more harm.
Once blocked, the connecting veins do get dilated, the collateral circulation becomes responsive and hence should not cause any problems and the venous return is not affected hence you may please relax.
Yes, you are certainly correct, the nurses should know the best how to use the ports. This is why the port is being placed for.
Please check with your operating Surgeon.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Kind Regards
As detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
To recapitulate: Female/65 - On 8th day post one tx with Taxotere - nurse could not access the Bioflow port - IV Right arm - after 3 months - during reconstruction - vein was a matchstick - most probably from Taxotere - afraid to go back to Oncology hospital ER - understood your concerns - should not ER nurses be trained in accessing port - what recourse ....
I can understand your feelings.
Overall incidence of having phlebo-thrombosis/thromboplebitis with Taxotere is 0.48% only and if this has happened in your case, it is really not that common.
Most of the cases will have re-canalization usually within a month or so. There is nothing specific treatment that can be tried. Leaving it alone is the best way as anything else can cause cause more harm.
Once blocked, the connecting veins do get dilated, the collateral circulation becomes responsive and hence should not cause any problems and the venous return is not affected hence you may please relax.
Yes, you are certainly correct, the nurses should know the best how to use the ports. This is why the port is being placed for.
Please check with your operating Surgeon.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Kind Regards
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
