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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Swelling Around An IV Insertion Site On The Arm Indicate?

My husband surgery five days ago, you know on his arm where they put the IV in is swollen and red we can follow the swelling up his arm with our fingers the vein seems to be swollen, my question should I take him back to the emergency. Could it be a Blood Clot?
Wed, 30 May 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Suggestive of IV cannula related phlebitis. Peripheral IV cannula related phlebitis is caused by the inflammation of the superficial vein due to its irritation by mechanical, chemical or bacterial sources. If left untreated, it can lead to infection or thrombus (blood clot) formation. He should be taken back to the emergency to remove the IV cannula and re-inserted at a different site. His affected limb should be elevated to minimize inflammation and an anti-inflammatory cream or gel can be directly applied to the area to treat both the inflammation and the pain associated with phlebitis.

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What Does Swelling Around An IV Insertion Site On The Arm Indicate?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Suggestive of IV cannula related phlebitis. Peripheral IV cannula related phlebitis is caused by the inflammation of the superficial vein due to its irritation by mechanical, chemical or bacterial sources. If left untreated, it can lead to infection or thrombus (blood clot) formation. He should be taken back to the emergency to remove the IV cannula and re-inserted at a different site. His affected limb should be elevated to minimize inflammation and an anti-inflammatory cream or gel can be directly applied to the area to treat both the inflammation and the pain associated with phlebitis. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.