Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Read our guide below about going home with a peripheral intravenous (IV) cannula. Your doctor / nurse practitioner has decided to give you treatment through a peripheral intravenous (IV) cannula.
What is a peripheral IV cannula?
It’s a small flexible tube placed into a vein in your hand or arm. It allows the healthcare team to give fluids or medications, such as antibiotics.
How are cannula inserted?
- A trained nurse or doctor will insert the cannula in hospital.
- A fine needle is used to access the vein – this is then removed, leaving only the soft tube in place.
- The cannula is checked with a small flush of fluid to ensure it is working.
- A clear sterile dressing is applied to keep it secure and protect the site.
Strict aseptic (clean) technique is always used to keep you safe.
Cannulas are usually placed in the lower arm or hand. The most common device used in our Trust is the closed system safety cannula (Nexiva®), which is designed to reduce the risk of infection and needle injury.
You’ll usually have an IV cannula inserted for the duration of your treatment as long as there is no redness or pain around it.
A nurse will assess the area around the cannula daily and may replace it earlier if necessary.
Looking after your IV cannula.
Once in place, you must take care of your cannula to stop it from coming out or getting infected.
- Keep it dry – avoid getting the dressing wet (see bathing advice below).
- Avoid knocking it – take care not to bump the site during daily activities.
- Wear loose clothing – this prevents the cannula from being pulled or rubbed.
Do not tamper with the cannula – avoid twisting or touching it.
How is the IV cannula removed?
We’ll remove your cannula when your treatment is complete.
Removal is a relatively painless procedure. A nurse will remove the protective dressing and then the plastic tubing from your hand or arm.
They’ll put a small dressing over the area. This should remain in place for 2 hours.
What to do if your cannula comes out.
Your nurse or doctor will use a clear dressing to secure the IV cannula in place.
However, if the dressing does become loose and the cannula comes out, don’t worry but take the following steps.
We’ll give you an emergency kit (gauze and tape) to keep at home.
Step 1
Gently remove the loose dressing/cannula and put it to one side.
Step 2
Elevate your hand / arm and hold the gauze over the site where the cannula came out until any bleeding stops.
Step 3
Put some tape on the gauze to secure it in place.
Step 4
Contact the department administering your treatment as soon as possible to let them know. See the contact numbers below.
Potential risks and complications
Every procedure carries potential risks and complications. This is a very simple, safe procedure with very little risk of complications.
You must tell your nurse or doctor straight away if you have:
- continued pain around the site of the cannula
- pain or discomfort when you have medication through the cannula
- a burning sensation, swelling or redness around the site of the cannula
- a raised temperature, feel feverish or shaky.
Baths and showers
You should avoid getting the cannula wet. When taking a bath or shower wrap clingfilm around the cannula to stop it getting wet. Do not soak your arm underwater. Always dab the dressing dry if it gets wet.
You should never go swimming with a cannula in place.
Sources of further information
Contact the nurse or department where you’re getting your treatment. They’ll talk to you about your concerns and if necessary, check your IV cannula.
Never attempt to put anything into your cannula unless you’ve been specially trained by the department looking after your treatment.
How can I help reduce healthcare assicaited infections?
Infection prevention and control is important to the wellbeing of our patients, so we have procedures in place. Keeping your hands clean is an effective way of preventing the spread of infections.
You, and anyone visiting you, must use the hand sanitiser available at the entrance to every ward before coming in and after you leave. You may need to wash your hands at the sink using soap and water. Hand sanitisers are not suitable for dealing with patients who have symptoms of diarrhoea.
More help or advice
Contact NHS 111
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Emergency department (ED) service.
About this information
Service:
Emergency department (ED)
Reference:
A/040
Approval date:
5 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.