A chemo port is a device used for long-term medical treatment. Whether a person can swim safely with it depends entirely on the healing status of the surgical insertion site and whether the port is actively accessed. This small, implantable device allows healthcare providers to deliver chemotherapy drugs, IV fluids, and draw blood without repeated needle sticks into peripheral veins. Since the port is placed beneath the skin, it offers an advantage over external central lines, like a PICC, by making swimming possible once the initial healing phase is complete. Preventing a serious infection is the primary concern, which dictates the rules around water immersion.
Understanding the Chemo Port and Insertion Site
A chemotherapy port (port-a-cath or implanted port) is a small medical device surgically placed under the skin, usually in the upper chest just below the collarbone. The device consists of a reservoir, a small disc, and a catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube. The catheter is tunneled under the skin and terminates in a large central vein, often the superior vena cava, for efficient delivery of medications.
The reservoir has a self-sealing septum through which a specialized Huber needle is inserted to access the port for treatment or blood draws. The insertion site is the incision wound created during surgical placement, and it must be completely closed and healed before any water activities are permitted.
The Critical Safety Window Before Healing is Complete
After the port is implanted, swimming and full water immersion are strictly prohibited to avoid infection. The surgical incision site requires time to heal, typically seven to 14 days, or until stitches or surgical glue have fully resolved. During this time, the wound is vulnerable, and exposure to water sources like pools, lakes, oceans, or hot tubs carries a high risk.
The main danger is that waterborne bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the fresh incision, potentially leading to a severe systemic infection (septicemia). Healthcare providers advise against submerging the incision in water for approximately four weeks after insertion to allow tissue layers to fully close. Only showering is allowed during this initial window, and the incision must be protected with a waterproof cover to ensure it remains completely dry.
Swimming and Water Activities with a Healed Port
Once the insertion site is fully healed and stable, swimming is generally permitted with approval from the medical team, provided the port is not actively accessed. Since the port is completely internal when not in use, it does not pose a barrier to water activities. This offers an advantage over other central lines, like a PICC line, which cannot be submerged due to external components.
Individuals should be mindful of their immune system, which is often compromised during chemotherapy. It is recommended to limit swimming to clean, sanitized pools and avoid bodies of water like lakes or rivers where the concentration of bacteria is less controlled. After swimming in chlorinated water or saltwater, thoroughly rinse the area with clean water and gently pat the port site dry to prevent skin irritation. Patients should also avoid strenuous water activities or contact sports that could result in a forceful impact to the chest area, potentially damaging the port.
Protecting the Site During Routine Water Exposure
Protecting the port site during routine water exposure, especially showering, requires specific steps if the port is actively accessed. When the Huber needle is in place for continuous infusion or treatment, the port and the surrounding dressing must be kept completely dry. Allowing the dressing to become wet, even in a shower, compromises the sterile barrier and significantly increases the risk of infection.
Specialized waterproof dressings and covers, such as transparent film dressings or products like AquaGuard, are used to seal the site during showering. The healthcare provider typically provides instructions on how to properly apply these covers to prevent water from reaching the accessed area. When the port is not accessed, no special covering is needed for showering; the area should be gently cleaned with soap and water, then patted dry without vigorous rubbing.