THE RESULTS OF TRAN SPOS ITIO N OPERATIONS FOR ARTERIO-VENOUS FISTULA

B ackround: The hemodialysis therapy of patients with end-stage renal failure are mostly performed through arterio­ venous fistulas (AVF). The aim of this study was to compare three different operation techniques in arterio-venous fis­ tula operations performed in our department.

Material and Methods: üne hundred and twelve patients were enrolled in the study whom operated on in our de­ partment !rom January 2000 through April 2001. The patients were divided into three groups according the operation type: conventional method lor AVF (n: 95) (Group 1); venous transposition procedures (n: 14) (Group 2); AVF perfor­ med with synthetic grafts (n: 3) (Group 3). Demographic parameters of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. Patency rates were obtained by outpatient controls and by telephone calls. Results were compared with Kruskall-Wallis variance analysis and Tukey/Tamhane multipl comparing test.

Results: Chronic renal failure period (p= 0.000) and previously operation number were found statistically different between the groups (p= 0.000). Operation costs were lower in groups 1 and 2 than in group 3 (p= 0.000) . Actual patency rates were 77.8 % in Group 1, and 85.7 % in Group 2 at 6 months; which were statistically diffe rent (p=0.730). Actual patency rates at 6 months in Group 3 were not obtained.

Conclusion: Patency rates of the transposition procedures were found to be equal in conventional AVF operations. Autologous tissue usage must be forced at AVF operations lor cost effectivenes, prevent ion of postoperative comp ­ lication and high patency rates.