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Dialysis Access Surgery in Broadway

Dialysis Access

Dialysis Access in Broadway

The kidney possesses several functions, including removing waste products and drugs from the body and maintaining hormone and body fluid levels. A disruption in these kidney functions could lead to the accumulation of toxins, which eventually leads to kidney failure. Although kidney failures can be addressed with Medications, specialists may recommend undergoing Dialysis procedures to manage waste removal and fluid balance in patients effectively. The first step in Dialysis Therapy is to create a connection or access inside the blood vessel, which is generally a minor surgery that helps the blood travel through dialysis machines via tubes or connections attached and later passed through a dialyser. The blood is then cleansed in the dialyzer and returned to your body. 

At Manipal Hospital, Broadway, Kolkata, specialists in the Department of Radiology are tremendously experienced and adept at performing access surgeries with minimal complications. By leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and techniques, our specialists ensure appropriate vascular access interventions depending on patient factors, thereby optimising the efficiency of dialysis treatment for each individual. 
 

FAQ's

The common types of Dialysis Access employed by specialists to perform Dialysis include:

Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula: This procedure involves connecting a vein to the nearby artery, forming a large blood vessel that facilitates blood flow. The connection is usually performed on the wrist or elbow and lasts longer. It generally takes 1 to 4 weeks to be ready for treatment.

Artery vein graft: This type of intervention involves using an artificial tube between a vein and a nearby artery. The procedure is mostly preferred for patients with small veins that cannot form a fistula. It takes around 3 to 6 weeks to be ready.

Central venous catheter: This procedure is usually performed as a temporary solution for immediate Dialysis or while waiting for a graft or fistula to be ready. It is typically inserted into a vein in the neck, chest, or groin area.
 

Although you will be given personalised instructions to prepare for the Dialysis Access procedure, general ones include:

  • Fasting for 8 hours before the procedure

  • Refraining from certain medications, such as anti-coagulants before the procedure

  • Informing our specialists of any allergies induced due to certain medications or allergies

  • Avoiding any interventions that require blood to be drawn from your veins for a certain period before the procedure.

  • Performing certain exercises recommended by specialists, if any, to grow larger blood vessels and facilitate easier needle access. 

  • Arrange your transport to and from the hospital, especially, if anaesthesia is recommended for the procedure.

To find suitable access sites for conducting Dialysis, specialists may perform Doppler ultrasound or venography tests. In most cases, and depending on the specialist’s preference, Doppler ultrasound is preferred compared to venography tests, as it is quick and serves as an alternative to non-ionising radiation procedures. Although venography tests are considered the gold standard. Additionally, Doppler ultrasounds can monitor the maturation of the fistula and identify potential complications, such as stenosis and thrombosis. 
 

Similar to any intervention, Dialysis Access procedures may manifest complications ranging from mild to severe, some of which include:

  • Vascular access stenosis

  • Blood clots or thrombosis

  • Catheter malfunction or occlusion

  • Redness or swelling, especially for AV graft surgeries

  • Bleeding at access sites

The Dialysis Access procedure is usually conducted as an outpatient procedure and does not require any hospital stay unless specified by our medical professionals. The duration of the procedure may take a few hours, although it may vary depending on patient factors. You can expect significant pain and swelling at the access site. Our specialists may advise you to prop your arm up on pillows and keep your elbow straight to minimise swelling. Moreover, it is necessary to keep the incision dry for a particular time. AV fistulas or grafts can get wet 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Additionally, you will be restricted from lifting anything over 7 kilogrammes or performing any strenuous activities that involve limbs to mitigate any hindrances to recovery. 
 

General instructions you can follow to care for your access site may include:

  • Checking your access site several times each day for a pulse or vibration

  • Refrain from wearing tight clothes, jewellery, or metallic objects around the access arm.

  • Avoid resting your head on the access arm.

  • Let your medical professional or lab technicians know to avoid checking blood pressure or drawing blood from your access arm.

  • Stop carrying heavy objects or anything that exerts pressure on the access site.

  • Be cautious when applying gentle pressure after the needle is removed. In cases of bleeding, use a clean towel or gauze pad. 

  • Taking adequate rest and adhering to medications tailored by our specialists

  • Using protective covers around catheter sites while taking showers

  • Desist yourself from scratching with fingernails, and avoid coughing or sneezing during the procedure to avoid infections. You can wear a surgical mask if needed. 

Some warning signs or symptoms you should know after undergoing the Dialysis Access procedure that may necessitate medical attention include:

  • Redness or swelling

  • High-temperature fever or chills

  • Shortness of breath

  • Absence of vibration or pulse when touching your access site

  • Non-stop bleeding from access sites for more than 20 minutes

  • Drainage at the site, such as pus or other bodily fluids for a prolonged period

  • Numbness, tingling sensation, or blue-coloured fingers or sores at fingertips

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