Dr. C ... how many times can the port be punctured for fills/unfills?

Just wondering - I've been banded 16 months - been filled/unfilled for 9 punctures of my port. My surgeon says the odds of causing a leak is increased with number of punctures for fills/unfills. I understand his thinking but I was wondering is there a maximum number of times for fills or unfills. How durable is the port? Also wondering, have any of your patients requested to have the band removed because they could not tolerate it? If so, is removing more difficult than installing? Thanks for your help. Paula L. (Ohio)

Paula, That statement if probably true, but it's not as bad as it sounds. Let's say the risk of accidentally sticking the tubing is 1 in 5000. If you only have 1 fill, then that's your risk, 1 in 5000. If you have 10 fills, the risk is 10 in 5000. If you have 5000 fills, your risk is 5000 in 5000 which means it will likely happen. It's not really related to durability of the port - those things are designed to be punctured hundreds (maybe even thousands) of times (providing a Huber non-coring needle is used). Dr. C

Thanks for your reply. For the second part of my question - have you had to remove any bands due to intolerance or by request of the patient? Which is more difficult - removing or installing? Yhanks again. Paula

I haven't, but removing would be much harder than inserting. C

I'm surprised - why is that? Paulette

I would like to know if capsuls are as good as pills with after 19 months out .Or any out, lol.

Cindy, In general, there is no difference but it could be medication-specific. C

Cindy, How tall are you 160 is my goal. Hugs Barb