Two cases of pneumothorax following the insertion of subcutaneous butterfly needles for the administration of regular bolus injections of morphine are reported. Recommendations to prevent this rare complication are put forward.
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Bruera E., Chadwick S., Brenneis C. et al. The use of the subcutaneous route for the administration of narcotics in patients with cancer pain. Cancer1988; 62: 407-11.
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McDonald P., Graham P., Clayton M., et al. Regular subcutaneous bolus morphine via an indwelling cannula for pain from advanced cancer. Palliative Medicine1991; 5: 323-29.
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Gateley CA, Maddox PR, Mansel REPneumothorax: a complication of fine needle aspiration of the breast . Br Med J1991; 303: 627-28.
