Standardization of Pre-operative Evaluation to Improve the Outcome of Arteriovenous Fistula for Vascular Access of Hemodialysis: A Review of 700 Cases

Background With the advent of COVID-19, mortality rates of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) rose by 37% which makes its treatment an important part of healthcare. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is linked to higher patient survival rates. Cimino-Brescia fistula is the most effective vascular access technique, but it has a high rate of primary failure (PF) and a several-week maturation period before it can be used. The current study aims to verify the preoperative evaluation in improving survival among AVF patients. Methodology The current study is a retrospective analysis of the hospital database from Jan 2022 to July 2023, with patients of a mean age of 60.2 years. The sample size was around 700, including the patients indicated for long-term hemodialysis (HD) with an estimated GFR of less than 20 mm/min/1.73m². Following AVF surgery, post-operative outcomes, PF, and maturation time were considered. Results Among the 757 AVF procedures, 588 (82%) were new cases, and 112 (16%) had prior AVF history on the same side. PF was observed in 126 (18%) AVFs, while 574 (84%) achieved maturation. Age at surgery did not correlate with PF. Male sex and brachiocephalic AVF (BCAVF) had lower PF rates, while female gender, non-BCAVF, and vascular chronic kidney disease (CKD) were independent predictors. Proximal fistulas had a higher failure risk (32%). During surgery, the PF occurred six times more frequently in patients with veins and arteries under 2 mm and without a bruit. Conclusion AVF maturation aims to achieve a functional AVF for easy dialysis, requiring meticulous vein selection, doppler vascular mapping, and a standardized process to reduce PF rates. Factors determining PF include thrill and bruit, flow rates, and comorbidities. These findings can help clinicians make informed decisions and improve outcomes for patients undergoing fistula surgery.