Hypodermoclysis associated with palliative care in cancer patients

Keywords

Hypodermoclysis - Palliative Care - cancer patients

Introduction: Palliative care is a type of treatment whose approach aims to improve the quality of life of patients, alleviating suffering through early identification, focusing on the person as the focus of care and not just the disease. A viable means for palliative care would be hypodermoclysis, a technique for administering medications when intravenous access is not feasible, as discussed by writers Linda L. Emanuel and S. Lawrence Librach. In addition to presenting advantages, such as ease of administration, less pain and discomfort compared to intravenous infusion, and lower risk of infection.

Objectives: The study aims to provide a comprehensive review on the recent implementation of hypodermoclysis, emphasizing its importance in minimizing the discomfort of palliative care in cancer patients.

Methods: Studies between 2007 and 2024 on hypodermoclysis in palliative care of cancer patients were analyzed, of which four were included in this review.

Results: The studies demonstrated significant improvements in the quality of life of palliative care patients treated with hypodermoclysis. The strategy relieved pain and increased acceptability, considering the less invasive approach compared to intravenous infusion. Some advantages, such as low cost, possibility of early hospital discharge, and minimal risk of local and systemic complications, make its use convenient and associated with fewer side effects. Patients were able to move better and engage in more regular human behaviors, and had a lower rate of complications and infections, making the process safer. Emotional well-being improved, due to the reduction of anxiety and stress related to the psychological factors involved in conventional treatment.

Conclusion: In the oncological context, maintaining comfort and quality of life are priorities, and hypodermoclysis offers a less invasive alternative, allowing adequate management of symptoms and continuity of treatment in a less traumatic way for the patient. Therefore, it represents an effective tool in the therapeutic context of palliative care, providing a more humanized approach focused on the needs of patients. Expanding knowledge about this technique and its correct application can result in significant improvements in clinical practice, offering patients a better quality of life and dignity in final care.

Corresponding author: Alessandra Thomé Espada (e-mail: [e-mail]).

 

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No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
06 May 2025