What is the fill procedure like ?

alex · 04-10-2008, 01:49 AM

You will be escorted into an exam room, will lie on an exam table, and will need to expose your stomach area. If you are having the fill under fluoroscopy, you will lie on a glass x-ray table.

If you are having the fill under fluoroscopy, the x-ray will be turned on so the port is visualized. If you are not using fluoroscopy, the professional doing the fill will palpate your stomach to locate the port. The area will be cleansed with an antimicrobial substance (betadine, chlorhexadrine, alcohol, etc.).

If you are having a local anesthetic, the professional will use a syringe with a tiny needle and inject the numbing medication just under the skin. After a minute or two it will have taken effect.

Next, a long needle will be inserted into your port. This LOOKS a LOT worse than it is. Remember, the needle needs to be long enough to get through the fat and muscle to the port. You will feel PRESSURE but not pain. Once the professional is IN the port, he/she will inject some saline.

If you are having the fill under fluoroscopy, you might be asked to drink a barium or barium-like liquid. As the liquid travels, the amount of fill is adjusted.

Once the needle is removed and a band-aid is applied, you’re done. You will be asked to drink some water before you leave to make sure the band has not been over-inflated.

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