Outcomes of Renal Access Arteriovenous Fistulas for Hemodialysis in Patients With Chronic Renal Failure

Pre-operatively all patients were advised soft ball arm exercise. Patients were instructed not to use the concerned arm for blood sampling. The morning dose of antihypertensive was skipped if the patient mean arterial blood pressure was less than 100 mm Hg. Modified Allens test was done pre operative to check for the patency of the palmar arch. Preoperative Doppler of the concerned limb was done one day prior to the procedure by the consultant radiologist. The ulnar artery, radial artery, and cephalic vein diameter were measured at the wrist and the forearm. They were imaged in both transverse and sagittal planes at the levels of venous stenosis or thrombosis and a venogram was considered. On the day of surgery, patient were advised to take light breakfast in the morning prior to the procedure. Patient were shifted inside the operation theatre and all American society anaesthesiologist standard monitors were attached. This included pulse oxymeter, non invasive blood pressure and electrocardiogram. Patients lie supine on the operating table and the arm selected for fistula creation was abducted to an angle of 90 degree and kept on an arm rest. Under all aseptic precaution 10 ml of local anaesthetic agent (5ml 2% Lidocaine + 5 ml Normal saline) was injected just proximal to wrist joint. After waiting for 5 minutes and confirmimg its effect, a 2 cm skin incision was made in between the radial artery and cephalic vein in the distal forearm. First of all, cephalic vein was dissected free from the surrounding structures. The S shaped retractors were used for the proper exposure. All vein tributaries were ligated with 4-0 silk. Vein at the distal end of the incision was ligated and divided. A 20 G cannula was inserted and 10 ml of heparinized saline (1 unit ml-1) was injected into the cephalic vein. After this a 5 F infant feeding tube was inserted into the vein and another 10 ml of heparinised saline was injected. Radial artery is then identified and mobilized from the surrounding structures. Around one and half cm of radial artery is exposed. Bull dog clamps were applied both proximally and distally to occlude the blood flow. Then using 11 number scalpel blade an arteriotomy of approximately 1 cm was done. Similarly veinotomy of around 1.3 cm was done for cephalic vein using the potts scissor. Then end to side anastomosis was done using continuous 7-0 prolene sutures. Posterior wall was done first, followed by the anterior wall. After completing the procedure and achieving complete haemostatsis, fistula was palpated for the presence of immediate thrill. Tablet amoxicillin 500 mg with clavulanic acid 125 mg was given to all patients for 5 days and after each dialysis. Soft ball arm exercise was also advised till the fistula matures. Immediate surgical complications were noted.