This is a procedure in which a small tube is placed into a large vein in the body so that multiple doses of intravenous medicines, usually antibiotics or chemotherapy, can be given painlessly without the need for frequent intravenous drip insertions.

It requires a short general anaesthetic (you will sleep through the procedure) but is most often a "day stay" visit. The usual type of portal is a bubble placed completely under the skin although sometimes there is a small tube coming out through the skin. Once the course of treatment is completed the device is readily removed under local or general anaesthetic.