Subcutaneous cannulae for morphine boluses in children: assessment of a technique

Indwelling subcutaneous cannula for the administration of intermittent morphine boluses postoperatively have been used in several centers as an alternative to intramuscular (IM) injections. We introduced this technique to our hospital, assessed it for complications in 220 children, and conducted a survey to see if nursing staff preferred it to IM injections. The injections through the subcutaneous cannulae caused minimal distress to the children. There were no major complications, 95% of the nursing staff preferred this technique, and 74% would give morphine more readily to a child with a subcutaneous cannula in situ.