Hello,my mum found out she has cancer of the food pipe, 3 months ago. She has had a PICC line inserted for around 6-8weeks now. Today she went to the hospital to have a course of chemotheraphy, and they sent her away and removed the PICC line. I was just wondering if this was normal procedure? As they have sent her away another time before. Before she got diagnosed, she was a heavy drinker and smoker. And I believe she is still drinking and smoking at present.Could you give me any answers regarding this please, and any help.Thank youSarah
Hi, Thanks for writing in. The PICC is short form for peripherally inserted central catheter. This is a narrow luminal catheter introduced through the arms to reach the superior vent cave to help in Chat Doctor. The PICC lines are watched regularly and if there is an indication of the line not functioning adequately then it is removed and another PICC line might be inserted in few days or during the next cycle of chemotherapy. Replacing the PICC line is a normal procedure and does not have anything to do with the lifestyle of the patient and if she is smoking or