Dialysis Access Surgery
What is Dialysis Access Surgery?
Dialysis access surgery is a crucial procedure for patients needing dialysis, a lifesaving treatment for those with severe kidney failure. This surgery creates a reliable entryway into the body’s circulatory system, allowing for the efficient transfer of blood to and from the dialysis machine.
Your Options for Dialysis Access
There are two primary methods for creating this access:
Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula: This is the gold standard for dialysis access. An AV fistula is created by directly connecting an artery to a vein, usually in the lower arm or wrist. This connection allows blood to flow more easily from the artery into the vein, making the vein larger and stronger, ideal for dialysis.
Arteriovenous (AV) Graft: If a patient’s veins are not suitable for an AV fistula, a prosthetic graft made of synthetic material is used to join the artery and vein. This artificial connection serves a similar purpose, providing efficient access for dialysis.
Long-term Considerations for Dialysis Access:
Over time, complications such as aneurysms (ballooning of the vessel), stenosis (narrowing of the vessel), and thrombosis (blood clots) can occur:
- Aneurysms need attention if they impair dialysis efficiency or risk skin integrity.
- Stenosis can be treated with angioplasty, sometimes with the addition of stents to maintain blood flow.
- Thrombosis treatment includes thrombolysis (clot dissolving) and angioplasty or surgical removal of clots combined with angioplasty.
Regular monitoring through clinical exams and Doppler scans is essential to maintain the functionality of the fistula or graft.
Venous Catheters: A Temporary Solution
In urgent cases where immediate dialysis is required, a temporary venous catheter can be placed in the neck or thigh. However, these catheters are not ideal for long-term use due to risks of infection and potential for causing vein narrowing.
For longer-term, yet still temporary use, a Permacath—a tunnelled venous catheter—may be inserted. This catheter is placed into a vein in the neck and tunnelled under the skin to the chest, allowing for immediate and repeated access to the dialysis machine. While more durable than temporary catheters, Permacaths also carry risks of infection and blockage.
Daily Care for Your Dialysis Access Site
Taking care of your dialysis access site is essential for ensuring effective treatments and preventing complications. Here are some key guidelines to help you maintain your access in top condition:
- Pre-Treatment Checks: Always have your nurse or dialysis technician inspect your access site before starting any treatment. This check helps catch any issues early.
- Cleanliness is Key: Keep the access site clean at all times. Clean skin minimizes the risk of infection, which is crucial for a healthy access site.
- Dialysis-Only Use: Your access site should be used exclusively for dialysis treatments. Using it for any other purpose can increase the risk of complications.
- Protect Your Access: Avoid any bumps, cuts, or injuries to your access site. Even minor traumas can lead to significant problems.
- Monitor Blood Pressure: Ensure that blood pressure measurements are taken from the arm without access. Placing a cuff over your access can damage it.
- Dress Appropriately: Avoid wearing jewellery or tight clothing over your access site. These can restrict blood flow or cause damage to the access.
- Be Mindful While Sleeping: Do not sleep with your access arm under your head or body. This position can compress your access and hinder blood flow.
- Handle with Care: Refrain from lifting heavy objects or applying pressure with your access arm. Excessive strain can lead to access failure.
- Daily Pulse Checks: Check the pulse in your access daily to ensure it’s strong and steady. A good pulse indicates that your access is open and functioning well.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the longevity and functionality of your dialysis access, leading to smoother and more effective dialysis sessions.