An Experience of Arteriovenous Fistulas Created for Hemodialysis in the Largest Health Center in Eastern Turkey

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluated the primary and secondary (after reoperation) patency rates and some effect factors in fistula patency for hemodialysis patients. Material and methods: Over a 10-year period, 1529 arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) were fashioned in 1003 (611 males, 392 females; median age range 7–72) patients using the native vascular tissue and prosthetic graft material. We also evaluated the effects of various factors in fistula patency and primary and secondary patency rates in AVF patients. Results: The primary patencies of fistulas in this series were 72%, 64%, 51%, 41%, and 26%, and secondary patencies were 79%, 70%, 56%, 46%, and 33% at 6 months, 1, 2, 4, and 6 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the primary and secondary patencies (p = 0.082) in the 6-year follow-up. Factors affecting the patency of fistulas were diabetes mellitus (p < 0.005), hypertension (p < 0.005), and smoking habits (p < 0.005). Conclusion: Even if shown to be not statistically significant, successful surgical revision after fistula occlusion improves secondary patency with potential benefits in terms of patient morbidity. Besides, the AVF patency was shortened in chronic renal-insufficiency patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and smoking habits.