Objective: To verify the incidence of phlebitis and identify factors associated with the development of phlebitis due to peripheral intravenous infusion of amiodarone in elderly patients. Methods: Prospective and observational cohort study on risk factors for the development of phlebitis in patients aged over 60 years, who received peripheral intravenous infusion of amiodarone, hospitalized in 2012 in the coronary care (22 beds) and general semi-intensive units (43 beds) of a large private hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Results: Of the total 102 elderly people, 34 (33.3%) had phlebitis. It was more frequent in women (43.6%), in the dominant punctured member (36.2%), in the forearm basilica or cephalic veins (41.2%), in caliber 20G devices (40.0%), in IV Fix® sterile dressings (39.3%), in Intima® catheters (34.3%) and when there was device repositioning (33.3%). However, these variables were not statistically associated with phlebitis. Phlebitis absence in the exclusive bolus infusion was marginally significant (p = 0.051) compared to different types of infusion. Conclusion: One-third of the studied elderly patients presented phlebitis. There was absence of phlebitis only in exclusive bolus infusions. ResumoObjetivo: Identificar fatores associados à ocorrência de flebite decorrente da infusão intravenosa periférica de amiodarona em idosos. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva, observacional sobre fatores de risco para ocorrência de flebite em pacientes com idade acima de 60 anos que receberam infusão intravenosa periférica de amiodarona, internados, no ano de 2012, nas unidades Coronarianas (22 leitos) e Semi Intensivas Gerais (43 leitos) de um hospital privado de grande porte, localizado na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados: Do total de 102 idosos, 34 (33,3%) apresentaram flebite. A flebite foi mais frequente em mulheres (43,6%), em membro dominante puncionado (36,2%), em veias basílica ou cefálica do antebraço (41,2%), nos dispositivos de calibre 20G (40,0%), em curativo estéril IV Fix® (39,3%), em cateter Intima® (34,3%) e quando houve reposicionamento do dispositivo (33,3%); mas essas variáveis não se associaram estatisticamente à flebite. Ausência de flebite na infusão rápida exclusiva foi marginalmente significante (p= 0,051) comparada aos diferentes tipos de infusão. Conclusão: Um terço dos idosos estudados apresentou flebite, verificou-se ausência de flebite somente nas infusões rápidas exclusivas.

Purpose To describe the development and implementation of an enhanced recovery programme for patients undergoing total laryngectomy. Methods A feasibility study set in a tertiary head and neck unit in London, United Kingdom. The programme was developed based on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society guidelines for head and neck cancer surgery and local expert group consensus. An ERAS ‘booklet’ was devised which accompanied all laryngectomy patients during their inpatient stay. Contributors included otolaryngologists, anaesthetists, dieticians, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and nurses. A 12-month pilot study was undertaken. The main outcome measures were feasibility and adherence. Results An enhanced recovery programme for 25 people undergoing total laryngectomy was successfully piloted in a tertiary referral head and neck unit. Median length of stay was reduced in the post-ERAS group by 1.5 days. No statistically significant difference in length of stay, time to first gastrografin swallow, rate of fistula nor postoperative normalcy of eating between the pre and post-ERAS patients who underwent laryngectomy was observed. Clavien-Dindo-grouped complication rates were significantly higher in the post-ERAS group. Conclusion This enhanced recovery programme for patients undergoing laryngectomy is the first of its kind in the literature. Implementation has been demonstrated feasible. Further longitudinal studies are required to reliably inform us on ERAS programmes’ effects on laryngectomy outcomes.