Evaluation of Snuff-Box Arteriovenous Fistulas in Hemodialysis Patients

Objective: We aimed to retrospectively analyze the results of the patients that were operated for snuff-box arteriovenous fistula in our clinic between January 2011 and June 2013. Material and Methods: A total of 184 hemodialysis patients who had snuff-box arteriovenous fistula in Antakya State Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Department between January 2011 and June 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients" age, end stage renal disease etiology, fistula maturation and patency rates, and complications were analyzed. Results: There were 79 (43%) females and 105 (57%) males with a mean age of 58±7.5 years. The median follow up period of fistulas was 12 months (6-18 months). Diabetes mellitus (42%) and hypertension (24%) were the most frequent etiologic causes for end stage renal disease. The most frequent early complication was postoperative bleeding seen in 3% of the patients while the late complications were infection and aneurysm development seen in 3% and 1% of the patients, respectively. At the end of six weeks, the maturation rate of snuff-box arteriovenous fistula was 83%. One-year patency rate was 76%. Conclusion: Performing snuff-box arteriovenous fistulas is a feasible and safe procedure with low complication rates, and they may be preferred as the first arteriovenous fistula option in hemodialysis patients with end stage renal disease.