Continuous sc infusion of narcotics using a portable disposable device in patients with advanced cancer

Fifty-six patients with chronic pain due to advanced cancer were treated with an sc infusion of morphone (34 patients) or hydromorphone (22 patients) using a portable disposable infusor. The infusion was maintained for 26 +/- 14 days. Twenty-five patients (45%) were discharged to the home for a mean period of 18 days (range, 2-138). The mean daily increase in dose was 2.6% +/- 1.4% of the initial dose. The sc site needed to be changed every 8 days (range, 2-31). Local toxicity consisted of infection in two patients (3%), chemical irritation in three (5%), and bleeding in one (2%). After 48 hours of treatment, 54 of 56 patients (96%) preferred the sc infusion to their previous parenteral treatment. We conclude that this is a safe and simple method for the administration of narcotics to inpatients and outpatients.