Subcutaneous Injection Chambers: A Revolutionary Method for Cancer Patients and Their Quality of Life.

The subcutaneous injection chamber technique is a valuable tool for cancer patients at risk of extravasation during chemotherapy. This method helps to minimize the risk of skin necrosis and reduce the side effects of the drugs being used. Dr. II Luu Kinh Khuong, Head of the Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, explained that chemotherapy drugs are typically administered through external intravenous lines, which can damage peripheral blood vessels and increase the risk of extravasation due to vein deviation. This method can also limit patient movement in the limb where the infusion vein is placed.

Extravasation due to chemotherapy is a common complication that can lead to irritation, ulcers, and skin necrosis. This issue is especially prevalent in elderly patients and those with weak vessel walls, obesity, edema, or skin lesions. To address this problem, the subcutaneous injection chamber is placed under the skin of the chest wall to support intravenous drug and nutrition infusion without the risk of complications associated with peripheral veins.

Patients who have had a subcutaneous injection chamber placed have reported increased convenience in their daily lives. The device allows for direct transmission of chemotherapy drugs to where they are needed without complications associated with peripheral vein administration. Additionally, it can be used for blood testing, fluid administration, and nutrition support for cancer patients who cannot consume orally.

The procedure for placing a subcutaneous injection chamber involves inserting a catheter into a central vein either through the neck or below the collarbone before placing it under the skin in the chest area and securing it for stability. Patients may experience mild redness and pain at incision site but these symptoms usually subside within 24-48 hours after placement surgery. It’s important for patients to avoid heavy lifting and certain activities following placement surgery.

Overall, using subcutaneous injection chambers has proven to be an effective way of reducing extravasation risks during chemotherapy treatment while improving cancer patient’s quality of life by reducing side effects from drugs administered via peripheral veins.