Intramuscular injections through indwelling cannulae

A study was performed to establish the feasibility of an indwelling intramuscular cannula for the administration of post-operative analgesic and anti-emetic medication. One-hundred cannulae were inserted for periods up to 7 days (mean = 2.4). A mean of five and maximum of 15 injections were made through each cannula with a maximum volume in any patient of 29 ml. On 18 occasions cannulae were removed for minor complications; no serious complications were seen. This technique may be useful for administration of intramuscular analgesic and anti-emetic medications in the post-operative period.