A common concern for patients undergoing long-term treatment is whether they can safely swim with an implanted portacath. The answer is often yes, but only after the device site has fully healed and specific safety protocols are followed. Understanding the mechanics of the portacath and the serious risk of infection is the first step in making informed decisions about water activities.
What is a Portacath and How Does it Work
A portacath, also known as a port or totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD), is a small medical device placed completely under the skin, usually in the upper chest. It consists of a small, self-sealing reservoir chamber and a thin, flexible catheter. The chamber sits beneath the skin, and the catheter is threaded into a large central vein, often the superior vena cava near the heart.
This device creates a reliable, long-term pathway directly into the bloodstream for repeated administration of chemotherapy, antibiotics, IV fluids, or for drawing blood samples. To use the port, a specialized needle is inserted through the skin into the chamber, allowing medication to flow directly into the vein. Maintaining the integrity of the skin above the port is necessary to prevent infection, as the catheter provides direct access to the central circulation.
When Swimming is Strictly Prohibited
Swimming and soaking in water are strictly prohibited immediately following the portacath implantation procedure. The skin incision site must be completely healed, dry, and closed before water immersion is considered safe. This initial healing period typically takes between one to two weeks, depending on the individual’s healing rate.
An unhealed incision provides an open entry point for bacteria from the water to travel directly into the bloodstream. Water sources, including pools, lakes, and the ocean, contain microorganisms that can cause severe bloodstream infections, known as sepsis. Physicians must confirm that the incision is fully sealed and that any post-operative dressings have sloughed off before granting permission for swimming or bathing.
Swimming Safely with a Healed Portacath
Once the implantation site is fully healed and approved by a medical professional, swimming is often permissible since the port itself is entirely under the skin. Before engaging in water activity, patients must consult their medical team regarding their current treatment plan, especially if receiving chemotherapy, as a lowered immune system increases infection risk.
Swimming is forbidden if the port is currently “accessed,” meaning a needle is in place for treatment. If the port is not accessed, specialized waterproof covers or semi-permeable adhesive films are necessary to protect the site. These dressings must be applied correctly to create a complete, watertight seal, and the seal’s integrity should be checked immediately before entering the water.
Water Environment Considerations
Patients should exercise caution or avoid certain water environments altogether. Natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or the ocean, carry higher bacterial counts than filtered pools and present a greater infection risk. Hot tubs should be avoided because the warm water promotes bacterial growth and can compromise the adhesive seal. After swimming, the port site must be dried immediately and thoroughly inspected for any signs of moisture or irritation.
Recognizing and Responding to Infection
Portacath infections can be serious because bacteria have a direct route to the central venous system. Recognizing the early signs of infection is necessary for prompt treatment and to avoid life-threatening complications. Localized signs of infection at the port site include redness, swelling, warmth, or tenderness around the implanted chamber.
Any drainage, pus, or persistent oozing from the skin near the port should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. Systemic signs indicating a widespread infection include a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, or a general feeling of being unwell. If these symptoms appear, especially after water exposure, medical contact should not be delayed, as a port-related bloodstream infection requires urgent diagnosis and treatment.