BackgroundChemotherapy extravasation is an accidental complication of antineoplastic administration. Due to its low incidence but serious consequences, further studies are needed to achieve a better management.PurposeTo analyse the context in which extravasation occurs, the degree of compliance with the extravasation protocol and the impact of electronic records on extravasation notification.Material and methodsThis was a retrospective study set in a tertiary-level hospital between 2013 and 2017. Data were obtained from 54 extravasation notifications received either on paper or electronically. Collected variables were: patient demographics, antineoplastic drug extravasated, potential factors for extravasation, description of resulting damage, degree of information given in the form, observance of extravasation protocol and follow-up of patients.ResultsExtravasation incidence was 54 of 1 47 837 doses of chemotherapy administered (0.04%): 48.15% were males and 51.85% females, mean age was 63.9±12.2 years. 48.15% (n=26) of the drugs involved were vesicant and 38.89% (n=21) irritant. The most frequent extravasated drugs were carboplatin (10, 18.5%) and paclitaxel (eight, 14.8%). 36.54% (n=19) of extravasated veins were weak, 36.54% (n=19) were small-diameter and 11.54% (n=6) were trough. In 51 cases (94.4%) the medical device access was a peripheral catheter and in 51.9% (n=28) the point of puncture was in the plexus arm or in the hand. Infusion pumps with occlusion sensor were used in 40.74% (n=22) of extravasations. In the majority of the cases, the patient (31, 57.4%) was the one who detected the incident. Most common symptoms described were qedema (35, 64.8%), pain (31, 57.4%) and redness (18, 33.3%). Protocol adherence was 83.3% (n=45). In 21 extravasations (38.9%) a control photograph was not taken. First follow-up occurred during the first 24 hours after the extravasation in 19 patients (35.19%) but in 58% of them, it was telephonically. Notifications received electronically were completed worse than paper notifications, 25.3% of unanswered questions (n=373) and 10.1% (n=102) respectively.ConclusionAlthough the incidence of extravasation is low, patient education and nursing staff training are essential for an early detection, a correct actuation, an adequate record of the incident and a proper follow-up. If the patient’s venous assessment indicates a potential issue with access, a peripheral catheter should be avoided, especially if the drug is vesicant and it is infused over more than 30 min (such as paclitaxel).No conflict of interest