Swimming with a Broviac line

Advice for HPN Patients Regarding Swimming

Swimming increases the risk of both line infection and damage.  The manufacturers state that the line should not be submerged in water and therefore we cannot recommend swimming. However, we appreciate that this may prove restrictive for you and would advise that if you choose to swim that you follow these guidelines.

• Wait for a minimum of 3 weeks after insertion of a new line
• Swim in chlorinated pools or clean sea waters
• Do not swim if you have an exit site infection
• Do not swim in obviously dirty or muddy water or polluted beaches
• Do not use hot tubs

Care of the line while swimming

To reduce the risk of infection and potential damage to the line we suggest that you cover the line with a large waterproof dressing.  The dressing has to be large enough to completely cover the line and hub as shown below.  Suitable dressings can be obtained from Boots® or any large chemist. 

• Coil the line over the exit site dressing.
• Cover the coiled line with a waterproof dressing

Protecting the line with a waterproof dressing during swimming

Aftercare

After you have swam we would recommend that you change your dressing and clean the exit site. Overuse of chloroprep during dressing changes can cause skin irritation which can develop into an exit or tunnel infection. If changing the dressing more frequently than once a week then saline should be used.  After swimming, the next time you access your line you should apply a new needle free device in case water entered the curos port/swab cap. If you plan to swim or do any water related sports on a regular basis we would recommend you purchasing a dry suit which will prevent any water coming into contact with the line or surrounding skin.  A short- sleeved version can be obtained from Hammonds Dry Suits  www.hammond.drysuits.co.uk. Please avoid using hot tubs as the heat, chemicals and water may increase the risk of infection.