ANGIOACCESS FOR HAEMODIALYSIS IN RENAL FAILURE-AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF THE BRESCIA-CIMINO FISTULA.

Forty-six patients with end stage renal disease underwent forty-eight arteriovenous fistula formation by the Brescia-Cimino method between Jan 1994 and Jan 1997. The purpose of the fistula in all cases was to provide angioaccess for haemodialysis through the arterialised veins. Thirty-five (72.9%) of these fistulas were made on males, the remaining being on females. Mean age of the patients was 35.9 years. The fistulas were created in the left upper limb in 40 cases (83.3%) and the right upper limb was used in 8 cases (16.7%). The distal third of the forearm was used in all cases. During follow up, thirty-nine (94.1%) fistulas functioned for durations between 6 months to 2 years (average follow up of 14 months), permitting a mean of 2 dialysis per week. Seven cases (14.6%) had early fistula blockage. The end point for follow up was a successful renal transplant in the majority of patients. Except for nonpatency, and limb edema in two cases, no other complications were encountered.