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Vascular Access in children is a medical procedure in which a needle or catheter is inserted into a vein to obtain intravenous (IV) access. It is often necessary to administer IV fluids or medications. There are many reasons why a child may need vascular access, including dehydration, malnutrition, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.
Several types of surgery can be done to provide vascular access. The most common is the creation of an AV fistula, which is a surgically created connection between an artery and vein. It can be done in several ways, but using the child's veins and arteries is the most common. Other options include the use of synthetic materials, such as Dacron, or the use of a prosthetic graft.
The decision of which type of surgery to perform is based on several factors, including the child's age, health, and the location of the veins and arteries. In some cases, more than one type of surgery may be necessary to provide adequate access.
Pre-procedure:
Before any type of vascular access surgery is performed, the child will undergo a complete physical examination. It will help the surgeon determine the best type of surgery for the child. The child will also be given a general anaesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure.
Procedure:
The surgeon will make an incision in the skin and then carefully dissect the underlying tissue to reach the veins and arteries. Once the surgeon has located the appropriate vessels, they will create a connection between them. It may involve sewing the vessels together, using synthetic materials, or placing a prosthetic graft. The incision will then be closed with sutures or staples, and a dressing will be applied. Visit our paediatric general surgery hospital in Bangalore for the best treatment.
After Procedure:
The child will be monitored following the surgery and given pain medication as needed. Keeping the surgical site clean and dry is important to prevent infection. The child might need to stay in the hospital for a few days after the procedure to monitor their progress.
What are the risks involved in the surgery?
The risks involved in any surgery will always be present to some degree, depending on the individual child's health, age, and the type of procedure being performed. Generally, the risks can be divided into three main categories:
There are always risks associated with any anaesthesia, no matter how minor the procedure. The risks will increase if the child has any underlying health conditions.
These will depend on the type of procedure being performed. For example, the risks will be higher if an AV fistula is created, as this involves sewing together two arteries.
These risks will again depend on the type of procedure being performed. For example, the risks will be higher if a prosthetic graft has been used, as there is a risk of the graft becoming infected.
Generally speaking, the risks involved in vascular access surgery are relatively low. However, as with any surgery, there is always a risk of complications. The most common complications include infection, bleeding, and blood clots and more serious complications can occur in rare cases, such as stroke or heart attack. Book an appointment to consult with the experts.
