Radiology
Hickman line aftercare
This leaflet provides aftercare advice to patients following a Hickman line insertion.
Aftercare
- After you go home avoid lifting heavy objects for the first few days as this may displace your Hickman line
- Avoid kinks or twists in the line
- Bathing or showering is acceptable, but you must avoid getting the stitches or exit site wet
- Swimming therefore must also be avoided as getting the line wet can lead to risk of infection
- Check the line area once daily for redness, soreness or a discharge if these occur contact the department indicated on the contact number card you have been given
- Ensure the clamp attached to the line remains in a closed position to maintain a positive pressure in the line. If this becomes unclamped contact the number on the card given to you on discharge
- Your line needs to be flushed once a week to prevent the line becoming blocked.
Care of the Hickman line site
The stitches in your neck should be removed around seven days after the insertion. The lower stitch around the line itself can remain in place for up to three weeks until the skin heals over the cuff on the Hickman line.
The nurse in the appropriate department will arrange to remove your stitches when necessary. If you have not been contacted within seven days, then you may need to ring the department on the contact information card or your GP.
Seek help
If you experience any of the problems below contact the phone numbers on the card given to you on discharge.
- If there is any inflammation around the site and you notice you have a temperature greater than 38°C
- If the line becomes damaged or leaks
- If you experience any swelling in your arm or in your neck
- If you experience any breathlessness or pain in your chest
Contact us
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the radiology day unit:-
Telephone: 01642 854332
Monday to Friday, 08:00 until 17:00
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the patient experience department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print by emailing: [email protected]