Extensive subcutaneous needle fragment retention due to injecting drug use

Glengarry, Joanna; Lynch, Matthew; O’Donnell, Chris

doi:10.1007/s12024-022-00543-9

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2023

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“…1 Sites of retention vary. [2][3][4] Descriptions of embolic complications of needle fragments are plentiful, 5,6 but no protocol or guideline exists for the safe management of symptomatic chronically retained needle parts.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Retained fragmented needle in intravenous drug users: An institutional experience and treatment protocol

Rawat,

Kynta,

Barman

et al. 2023

Trop Doct

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Retained needle fragments can occur in intravenous drug user (IVDU), which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of present study is to give an overview of our institutional experience and treatment protocol followed for such patients. IVDU with retained fragment of fractured needle were taken from the patient presenting in Emergency, Medicine and CTVS departments with history of IVDU, from January 2019 to December 2020. Six patients were found with retained broken needles. Detailed history, examination and investigations were done. The needle was removed under local anaesthesia successfully in all patients. IVDU with retained broken needle poses risk for catastrophic complications along with possibility of local complications. A systematic approach in managing such patients is required. These broken needles can be successfully retrieved as day care procedure. Lastly, IVDUs with fractured needles pose threat to the caregivers who should take caution to avoid iatrogenic injury.

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