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5 things to watch out for when you have an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis

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<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/172757169629120210505-covid-19-nkti-off-site-hemodialysis-md2.webp" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner"></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><em style="text-align:left">Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></div><div></div><p>An arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula) is a crucial lifeline for people undergoing hemodialysis. It is a surgical connection made between an artery and a vein, usually in the arm, which allows easy access to your bloodstream during dialysis.</p><p>Proper care and maintenance of this fistula are essential to ensure it continues to function effectively, enabling you to receive the life-sustaining treatment you need. This includes maintaining good personal hygiene and regular follow-ups with your surgeon.</p><p>Good personal hygiene is vital because it helps prevent infections that could jeopardize the fistula. Washing the area daily with soap and water, and keeping it clean, especially before and after dialysis, can make a significant difference.</p><p>Regular check-ups with your vascular surgeon are equally important, as they can catch potential issues early, ensuring that your fistula remains in good working condition.</p><p>However, even with the best care, certain issues can arise. Here are some key things to watch out for:</p><div><strong>Edema</strong></div><p>If you notice swelling in your arm or hand, this might be a symptom of central venous stenosis, a condition where the flow of blood is restricted due to the narrowing of a blood vessel.</p><p>This condition is more common in patients who have had prolonged or multiple temporary dialysis catheters before their AV fistula was created.</p><p>If you experience this, it’s important to see your vascular surgeon, as treatment usually involves a procedure called balloon dilatation to open up the narrowed vessel.</p><div><strong>Redness</strong></div><p>Redness around your fistula could be a sign of infection. If an infection is not treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications like thrombosis (clotting) or even a vascular blowout, which can cause massive bleeding. If you notice redness, seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention with antibiotics can prevent these severe outcomes.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2024/6/30/surgical-site-infection-prevention-1649">Surgical Site Infection prevention: Top 5 things to remember before you go under the knife</a></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><div><strong>Decreasing thrill or lack of thrill</strong></div><p>The “thrill” is the vibration you can feel when you touch your fistula. If you notice that the thrill has decreased in intensity or is no longer there, this could be a sign of stenosis (narrowing) or thrombosis. Both conditions can compromise the function of your fistula. Fortunately, if caught early, a vascular surgeon can often revise or salvage the fistula to keep it functional.</p><div><strong>Alarms during dialysis</strong></div><p>Repeated alarms during your dialysis sessions are often a sign that something is wrong with your fistula, usually an early indication of narrowing. If this happens, alert your healthcare provider immediately. Early detection can help avoid more serious complications.</p><div style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2024/6/23/prostate-cancer-an-emerging-concern-but-early-diagnosis-and-treatment-bring-hope-1505" style="color:rgb(199, 29, 29)">READ: Prostate cancer an emerging concern, but early diagnosis and treatment bring hope</a></div><div style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><div><strong></strong><strong>Bulge at the puncture site</strong></div><p>A bulge at the site where the needle is inserted for dialysis might indicate a leak, which can lead to a condition known as a pseudoaneurysm. This condition requires prompt attention, as it can cause the fistula to fail or lead to severe bleeding.</p><p>Your AV fistula is a critical part of your dialysis treatment, and taking good care of it is essential. By maintaining good personal hygiene, attending regular follow-up appointments, and being aware of the warning signs mentioned above, you can help ensure your fistula remains healthy and functional, allowing you to continue receiving the life-saving care you need.</p><p style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">--</p><div style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"><em>Established in September 1936, the Philippine College of Surgeons is the country&#x27;s premier organization of surgical professionals. PCS has several surgical specialty societies including the </em><em>Philippine Association of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgeons Inc.</em></div>

<p>An arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula) is a crucial lifeline for people undergoing hemodialysis. It is a surgical connection made between an artery and a vein, usually in the arm, which allows easy access to your bloodstream during dialysis.</p>

An arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula) is a crucial lifeline for people undergoing hemodialysis. It is a surgical connection made between an artery and a vein, usually in the arm, which allows easy access to your bloodstream during dialysis.

5 things to watch out for when you have an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis

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5 things to watch out for when you have an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis

ABS-CBN News,

Racel Ireneo Luis C. Querol,

MD,

FPATACSI,

FPCS

Published Sep 29, 2024 09:02 AM PHT

Read More:

Dialysis

Hemodialysis

Philippine College of Surgeons

Philippine Association of Thoracic

Cardiac and Vascular Surgeons Inc.

arteriovenous fistula

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