Hi
i am having a Hickman Line put in on Friday so very nervous.
Has anybody on here had one and are there any tips on what to expect on the surgery and after please?
Unfortunately they couldn’t get the PICC in as my veins are too small.
Thank you!
Don’t worry about the Hickman line, it isn’t as bad as it sounds. It will probably be fine in the radiology department as they have to X-ray to check position. You will probably have a Cannula put in. I You’ll lie on the operating bed/trolley. There may be quite a few people or just a couple. They will prep the area in your neck and upper chest with cleaning solution then put drapes over. It will be opposite side to your tumour. They will use the ultrasound to find the vein then put some local anaesthetic in. This will sting but then be fine. They will use a needle to access the vein then thread a small wire and take a picture with X-ray they then make a small hole further down and tunnel the line. You might feel some pushing. If it hurts at any point tell them and they will give more local anaesthetic. Honestly it will be fine. I was worried about the port fitting but that was fine too x