Name of the Procedure:

Chemotherapy Administration: Intravenous, Push Technique, Each Additional Substance/Drug

• Common Name: IV Chemotherapy Push
• Medical Term: Intravenous Chemotherapy Administration (Push Technique)

Summary

Intravenous (IV) chemotherapy push technique involves rapidly injecting chemotherapy drugs into a patient's bloodstream through a vein. This method is used to administer additional drugs alongside the primary chemotherapy regimen.

Purpose

Medical Condition:

• Treats various types of cancer by targeting and killing cancer cells.

Goals:

• Achieve maximum drug efficacy.
• Minimize the duration of exposure to high concentrations of the drug.
• Complement the primary chemotherapy regimen.

Indications

• Specific types of cancer (e.g., breast, lung, colon)
• Patients who require combination chemotherapy.
• Cases where rapid administration of a chemotherapy drug is beneficial.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: Patients may need to fast for a few hours.
• Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests, imaging studies, and a review of the patient's medical history.

Procedure Description

1. Patient Preparation: Informed consent is obtained. Vital signs are checked.
2. IV Access: A nurse or practitioner inserts an IV line into a suitable vein.
3. Drug Preparation: The chemotherapy drug is prepared in sterile conditions.
4. Push Technique: The drug is rapidly injected into the vein using a syringe.
5. Monitoring: The patient is closely monitored for any adverse reactions.

Tools & Equipment:

• Sterile syringes
• IV catheter
• Chemotherapy drugs

Anesthesia/Sedation:

• Generally, no sedation is used, but a local anesthetic may be applied to numb the insertion site.

Duration

• Typically takes around 15-30 minutes, depending on the drug being administered.

Setting

• Performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or specialized chemotherapy center.

Personnel

• Healthcare Providers: Oncologists, chemotherapy-certified nurses, and pharmacy staff.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, local irritation at the injection site.
• Rare Risks: Allergic reactions, infections, extravasation (leakage of the drug into surrounding tissue).

Management:

• Immediate medical intervention for allergic reactions.
• Symptomatic treatment for nausea and other side effects.

Benefits

• Targeted cancer cell destruction.
• Enhanced effectiveness of the primary chemotherapy regimen.
• Symptoms relief and potential for cancer remission.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Patients may need to stay for monitoring for a short duration.
• Restrictions: Limited activity for a few hours post-procedure.
• Follow-up: Regular appointments to assess response to treatment and manage side effects.

Alternatives

• Other Options:
  • Oral chemotherapy
  • Intravenous infusion over a longer period.
• Pros & Cons:
  • Oral chemotherapy may be more convenient but less effective for some cancers.
  • Infusion provides a more controlled release but requires longer administration time.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Mild discomfort at the insertion site, brief period of injection sensation.
• After Procedure: Possible side effects like nausea; supportive care will be provided.
• Pain Management: Pain or discomfort is typically minimal and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.