Hemodialysis Access: Before Your Surgery

What is a hemodialysis access?

Hemodialysis is a way to remove wastes from the blood when your kidneys can no longer do the job. It is not a cure, but it can help you live longer and feel better. It is a lifesaving treatment when you have kidney failure. Hemodialysis is often called dialysis.

Before you can start dialysis, a doctor will create a place where the blood can flow in and out of your body during dialysis. This is called the hemodialysis (or vascular) access.

There are two basic types of permanent vascular access.

AV fistula: To make a fistula, a doctor will connect an artery to a vein, usually in your arm. Fistulas tend to be stronger and less likely to get infected than grafts. But they need to be prepared several months ahead of time. After that, the dialysis needles can be put into the fistula.
AV graft: This is a good choice if you have small veins or other problems. A doctor will put a tube under the skin in your arm. This tube is the graft. It connects an artery and a vein. The dialysis needles can then be put into the graft. A graft can sometimes be used as soon as 2 weeks after placement.

You will get medicine to numb the area and help you feel relaxed during the surgery. The doctor will make a cut on the forearm of the arm you use the least. This cut is called an incision. The doctor will close it with stitches. The incision will leave a scar that fades with time.

You will probably go home the same day as the surgery. You will probably need to take 1 or 2 days off from work after the surgery.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.

Preparing for surgery

	Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
	Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
	If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
	Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
	Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.

Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.

Do not shave the surgical site yourself.

Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery center

Bring a picture ID.

The area for surgery is often marked to make sure there are no errors.

You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. You may get medicine that relaxes you or puts you in a light sleep. The area being worked on will be numb.

When should you call your doctor?

You have questions or concerns.

You don't understand how to prepare for your surgery.

You become ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).

You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the surgery.

Current as of: October 11, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.