Fistula – Everything you need to know

A fistula provides the best access and is less likely to cause problems. However, it is important to be aware that problems can arise so you can quickly address them.

Bruising and swelling –

If blood leaks from the vessels into surrounding tissue, it can cause bruising.

Redness and heat-

Although infection is less common in fistulas, it can still occur. If you feel pain, redness or swelling at your fistula site, please contact your renal unit immediately.

Aneurysm is a swelling that occurs when the vessel becomes weaker, often because the needles are repeatedly inserted into the same area. Aneurysms can occur in fistulas with a history of long-standing use. Aneurysms will be less common if the needle sites are changed every dialysis (rope ladder), or if you use buttonhole needling.

Steal syndrome –

This is when your fistula (the area below it) of blood can cause your fingers and hands to feel cold, painful, or numb. Sometimes, this can cause severe symptoms like ulceration or inability to use your hand because of pain. Steal syndrome usually occurs soon after your fistula is created.

Reduced fistula flow –

Check your fistula daily to see if there is any reduction in flow. If one of these indicators is reduced or absent, contact your renal unit immediately. You should be treated immediately if your fistula is affected by a narrowing of the vessel or a blood clot.

Bleeding from the fistula –

This can be an emergency, even if you’re not on dialysis. However, such emergencies are rare.

Blood oozing from your dialysis needles is another sign to watch out for. Your vessel may have narrowed, which can cause bleeding after dialysis. Your nurses can help you find out where this might be. Sometimes the bleeding could be caused by any blood thinner medication, such as warfarin. These signs should be reported to your Fistula doctor in Kolkata and nurses immediately. These problems can almost always be solved to keep your fistula healthy.

Allergies:

Let your nurses know if your fistula is red, itchy, or sore after using the anaesthetic cream, cleaning agent, or chlorhexidine. Let the nurse know if there is a reaction to the plasters or tape.