Definition of Renal Fistulas

Renal fistula refers to the connecting of a vein and an artery, usually in the forearm, that creates a suitable site for dialysis to take place and is performed through a surgical procedure.

Purpose

Renal fistulas are usually done in patients who are about to undergo kidney dialysis. The connection of the vein and artery creates a much larger site from which blood can be removed and injected into the blood stream of a patient.

Procedure

Creating a renal fistula involves a surgical procedure performed by a doctor in which a vein and the artery in the forearm are connected. The renal fistula takes several weeks to form and must be performed several weeks before dialysis is to begin.

Recipients

Renal fistula surgery is usually only performed on patients who will be undergoing dialysis for a prolonged period of time. People who will undergo dialysis for a temporary period of time can usually just use an unfistulated vein in the arm.

Graft

Sometimes a renal fistula will not produce a large enough vein for dialysis. In these cases, a graft (small tube inserted into a vein) is often used.

Risks

The most common risks associated with renal fistulas include infection after the surgery or clots that result from the improper joining of the vein and artery.

References

• Surgery Encyclopedia
• Mayo Clinic

Resources

• Fistula First