Dialysis Access Placement/Surgery
Once your nephrologist has determined that you will need to begin dialysis you may be referred to our practice where we will then assist you throughout this journey. You will meet our surgeon who will discuss peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis, the surgical options and the overall plan for you. We consider it our duty to you and your loved ones through the initiation of dialysis, maintenance of your access, interventions or any issues that arise with your access. Ultimately, we hope our patients are candidates for, and undergo, successful kidney transplantation.
Our surgical services at the hospital include:
An AV fistula is created when an artery is surgically connected to a vein. An example is a Radial-Cephalic AV Fistula.
The point at which the vessels are connected is called the anastomosis. While a surgeon may create “designer” fistulas, the most common vessels for fisitula creation are the Cephalic or Basilic vein and either the Radial or Brachial artery.
An AV Graft is placed using synthetic tubing, most commonly Gortex, to surgically create a connection between an artery and a vein.
The location of the graft is determined by the surgeon and depends on the patient’s vascular system. Grafts are most frequently connected between a vein and an artery in a patients arm. Thigh grafts are also possible.
We offer options for surgical revision of the AV Fistula/Graft when warranted with the intent of salvaging the existing access.
Peritoneal dialysis- dialysis treatment using the lining of your abdomen, as a filter, and a solution, dialysate to clean waste products from your body.
Through laparoscopic abdominal surgery, a soft tube, called a catheter, is inserted into your abdomen. This tube is used to fill your abdomen with dialysate, then then when the time comes to empty the dialysate and waste products from your abdomen.