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Portacath and Hickman Lines
Central lines are for venous access (access through the vein) to give intravenous
medicines and take blood samples. Over the next few weeks preparations were
made for Katie to start radiotherapy and chemotherapy which involved her having a
portacath, or ‘port’ ftted.This is a chamber with a silicone membrane which is placed
surgically under the skin on the chest and has a tube leading into a vein. It can be
distressing for the child having the port ftted but most children will take this in their
stride. Some children will not be offered a portacath; this will depend on the hospital.
When not in use the port lies completely under the skin,with no external parts.
When the port is used a ‘Gripper’ needle is placed into the port,which is usually well
tolerated by the child.
A Hickman Line is an alternative to a port, and involves the tubing lying permanently
out of the skin. It can be useful for younger children or those who will not be able
to tolerate the Gripper needle being inserted. However, this is more restrictive,
particularly with activities such as swimming.
Some children, particularly those who are older,may not require a central line at all.
Nasogastric Tube or PEG
A nasogastric tube or PEG may need to be ftted to help feed your child.The
nasogastric tube goes in through the nose and is used to administer food and
medicine. It can be upsetting for the child and parents putting this in but once it is in
most children are not too bothered by it. Andrew learned how to put Katie’s tube in –
he found it daunting at frst but once he had the hang of it there were no problems.
The PEG goes in through the stomach and an operation is required. Unlike the
nasogastric tube, you can’t see it but it can become infected.
It’s important to consider both options, and ask questions if you’re not sure of
anything to make sure you’re making as informed a choice as possible.