Port or Hickman line?

One of the first decisions you are asked to make is the decision between the Port or the Hickman line. It can be a very hard choice as both has their own advantages and disadvantages. I'm here to make sure you get it right as it is stuck with you for the whole of your cancer journey.

Port

A Port is a small disc inserted underneath the skin connected to a catheter which connects the port to a vein. The port is usually in the chest and it stays in until Chemotherapy is over. The port is chosen more by teens and adults.

                       Pros                                                                                      Cons

-    Hidden under the skin.                                                      -    Not repairable.    
-    You can have baths and go swimming.                             -    Skill is required to access it.
-    No external lines.                                                               -    Special needle is required.
-    No daily care.                                                                     -    More difficult to repair.

Hickman line

A Hickman line is a long thin tube inserted into a vein in your chest. The Hickman line usually come out near the collar bone and it stays in until Chemotherapy is over. The Hickman line is more suited for children.

 

                     Pros                                                                                          Cons

-    Easy to insert and remove.                                          -    Daily care (Daily flush).

-    Easily repaired.                                                           -    May restrict activities.

-    No needle pokes.                                                         -    Could get tugged.

                                                                                          -    Caregivers require training.

                                                                                          -    Not able to have baths or go                 

                                                                                                               swimming.

                                                                                          -    Weekly dressing changes.

Comparing the Port and the Hickman line

Both the Hickman line and Port have their advantages and disadvantages. The Hickman line is great for children as there isn't much pain, whereas the Port has to stabbed with needles which can cause pain and isn't ideal for people who hate needles. The port is very easy to maintain unlike the Hickman line which has to be cared for daily. Also, you can't go swimming or have a bath with a Hickman line because you can't get it wet, personally I think a relaxing bath is very therapeutic for a cancer patient so the Hickman line may not be best for you. Finally, due to the Hickman line's external lines it has a higher risk of infection compared with the port.

I hope I have made you come to a decision, and I wish you the best of luck with your cancer treatment!

Ellie x