Dermal securement of port catheters in obese patients
Kara A Rothenberg1, Rebecca C Gologorsky1, Sunghoon Kim2
1Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco-East Bay, Oakland, California.
Background:
Port catheters are often used for patients who require long-term central venous access. However, thick subcutaneous fat may obscure the port location and limit the degree to which the port is palpable. We describe a method to improve port catheter placement in overweight and obese patients.
Methods:
Port catheters were placed in three overweight and obese patients after a diagnosis of malignancy. Rather than securing the port onto muscular fascia as is typically done, securing sutures were directed toward the dermis, elevating the port toward the skin and creating skin dimpling for visual reference.
Results:
There were no intra- or postoperative complications. The ports remain visible and palpable >9 months after placement and there have been no reported difficulties with access.
Conclusion:
This method improves visualization of the port location and facilitates palpation of the port during Huber needle access.
Related Concept Videos
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Ostomy Care
An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening from the intestines to the outside of the body, allowing for the rerouting of effluent. This opening is known as a stoma. A stoma usually protrudes above the skin surface, appearing pink or red, moist, and round, and it lacks nerve sensations.
There are different types of ostomies, including colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:


