The effectiveness of saline washout in the management of exytravasation of cytotoxics

Abstract

Extravasation of cytotoxics is a dreaded complication of the intravenous route medication, especially in chemotherapy. The use of saline washout is insufficiently documented in the literature. Here, we report the excellent results of using saline washout in the management of these injuries. Three patients presenting extravasation of anthracycline, calcium gluconate, and radiologic contrast were treated in our department by saline washout. The technique was a use of saline to flush the extravasation area after liposuction of the body site injured. All patients were treated in an outpatient setting. No case of skin necrosis nor other complications related to the extravasation or to the surgical technique have been reported during the follow-up. Patients with extravasation should be referred to the plastic department at early stage. Saline washout is reliable technique to prevent skin and soft tissue necrosis caused by extravasation of cytotoxics.