Efficacy of Revision Using Distal Inflow in Patients with Symptomatic Dialysis Access-Associated Steal Syndrome

Objectives: In this study, we aim to assess the efficacy of revision using distal inflow (RUDI) in patients with symptomatic dialysis access-associated steal syndrome (DASS). Materials and Methods: All consecutive patients who were diagnosed with grade 3 or 4 DASS and have undergone RUDI in 4 years were included in this study. Results: In total, 35 patients were included in this study; participants had a mean age of 47.5±7.52 years and 54% (n=19) were males. As per our findings, significant improvement was noted in terms of paresthesia (81.2%, p-value: 0.012), coolness (79.4%, p-value: 0.006), pain (78.1%, p-value: 0.006), discoloration (76.4%, p-value: 0.044), paresis (71.4%, p-value: 0.016), and ulcer healing (50%, p-value: 0.044). Gangrene did not further progress in all patients (n=35). Reduction in fistula flow rate after RUDI was 57.5% (682±121 ml/min, p-value: 0.001). Digital systolic pressure was noted to improve by 71.4% (60±9.2 mmHg, p-value: 0.002) after RUDI. Peak systolic velocity increased in both ulnar (66.1±8.2 cm/s, p-value: 0.04) and radial (64.2±7.6 cm/s, p-value: 0.024) arteries of the wrist. Cumulative patency of RUDI graft was 100%, 91.4%, and 85.7% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Conclusion: RUDI has resulted in significant improvements in terms of DASS symptoms. Using a native vein as conduit, RUDI should be considered a procedure of choice for patients with high-flow DASS.