Dialysis Management in Alamogordo: Unique Needs of Patients with Dialysis Fistulas Though it’s most commonly used in hemodialysis, dialysis access can also be used with peritoneal dialysis, according to the Mayo Clinic. These patients must carefully monitor their access and maintain the flow through it above a certain level to allow adequate hemodialysis.
What is a fistula?
A fistula is a surgically created vascular access to the body for hemodialysis, most commonly using an artery or vein. A dialysis fistula has unique needs. The flow through the fistula must be maintained above a certain level to allow adequate hemodialysis. The fistulas can be monitored with Doppler and color-flow ultrasound to determine if a narrowing (stenosis) is present.
Types of Fistulas;
- A typical arteriovenous fistula is created by connecting an artery to a vein that travels inside the patient’s body and passes near the kidneys.
- Dialysis Management Alamogordo supplies all types of diabetes supplies to dialysis patients including medical equipment for renal care and treatment for urea accumulations.
- The flow through the fistula must be maintained above a certain level to allow adequate hemodialysis, which is monitored by Doppler and color-flow ultrasound.
- The fistulas can be monitored with Doppler and color-flow ultrasound to determine if a narrowing (stenosis) has developed or a vessel has become diseased or thrombosed (frozen over).
Managing Fistulas:
Fistulas can be monitored with Doppler and color-flow ultrasound to determine if a narrowing (stenosis) has developed. Stenosis is an abnormal narrowing or blockage of the fistula, which may lead to decreased blood flow through the fistula. If the stenosis is detected, it should be evaluated by a nephrologist, and treatment options are discussed. The most common treatment for stenosis is surgical opening or dilating the fistula using balloon dilation under fluoroscopic guidance.
Monitoring Blood Flow Through the Fistula:
The key to successful dialysis management is to maintain the fistula flow at a certain level. This can be done by using Doppler or color-flow ultrasound to determine if the fistula is narrow (stenosed) and needs treatment. Symptoms that indicate a narrowing include swelling or redness at the site, decreased sensation, increased pain, numbness, or paresthesia. Treatment for stenosis includes expanding the stenosis either mechanically (by placing a dilator inside it) or pharmacologically (with vasodilators), removing excess fluid from the area, and controlling inflammation.
These patients have unique needs and dialysis management is essential for their safety and well-being.
How Can I Maintain My Access Safely on My Own?
-Check for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge around the fistula. If there are signs of infection, call your doctor right away. -If you suspect a fistula is closing up or narrowing (stenosis) and you experience pain when trying to do hemodialysis through the fistula, call your doctor right away. -Keep the area where the dialysis access enters your body clean and dry at all times. Wash this area gently with soap and water every day after doing hemodialysis. Pat it dry and put on a clean dressing. Do not use ointments or oils at this site.
What If I Have Problems With My Access?
It is common for patients to have problems with their access. This may be due to strictures from scarring or other causes. The fistula can be monitored with Doppler and color-flow ultrasound to determine if a narrowing (stenosis) has developed and whether the flow through the fistula needs to be increased. If stenosis does develop, there are many treatment options available, including needle insertion techniques, stent placement, and surgical reconstruction. These treatments are usually performed by vascular surgeons who work closely with hemodialysis providers.
What Happens When An Infection Occurs And How Do I Know It Is Infected?
If a fistula becomes infected, the symptoms will be different from those experienced by patients without a fistula. Typical symptoms may include fever, chills, pain, and decreased or absent flow through the fistula. It is important to know if your fistula is infected because if left untreated for too long, it may require removal and the patient would need to start dialysis again. If you are experiencing these symptoms and suspect an infection, contact your doctor immediately.
1) When dialysis access becomes infected it’s important to know because if left untreated for too long it may have to be removed. Dialysis Management I Alamogordo:
2) If you think your access has been invaded call your doctor right away.
Should I Try To Avoid Bathing While I Have A Fistula?
Generally, patients are advised not to bathe while they have a fistula. Bathing will cause the fistula to flush out, which is not desirable. There are special circumstances where it is okay to bathe while on hemodialysis, but most patients won’t find themselves in these situations. A common question among those who have a current or potential need for dialysis access is whether they can take a bath or shower while their fistula is healing. Generally speaking, bathing should be avoided as much as possible until the fistula has healed enough that it’s no longer at risk of getting clogged up and closing up altogether.
