Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Intravenous (IV) infiltration is a common complication of IV therapy, with complications that can range from mild swelling to damage to surrounding tissues and compartment syndrome. Intraoperative detection is particularly difficult when patients are anesthetized and unable to report symptoms or positioned in a way that may limit visibility of hands to appreciate early infiltration. We present the case of an 83-year-old male who developed hand swelling at the IV site during a right craniotomy for meningioma removal, initially unrecognized due to hand tucking for surgical positioning. This case highlights the need for standardized IV infiltration prevention and management strategies in the surgical setting, in which there may be restricted access or visualization of IV catheters. Quality improvement strategies in this setting would include approaches that promote catheter securement, regular monitoring of IV catheter sites, plans of action in the case of suspected infiltrated IVs, and interdisciplinary communication that may facilitate timely and organized interventions.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.90514
Authors: Danielle A Hahn, Kyle Chambers, Gisele J Wakim
Institutions: University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medical Services
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413315719