AV Fistula Surgery for Dialysis in Mumbai

Doctors generally recommend that the patients undergo AV fistula surgery at least six months before the first session of dialysis treatment is scheduled. The fistula may take several weeks to heal and become sturdy enough to withstand the dialysis.

The normal veins in the body carry smaller amounts of blood as compared to arteries which makes it harder for the dialysis machine to filter blood efficiently. The AV fistula makes extra blood flow through the veins regularly that leads to enlargement of the vein and makes it stronger. Untreated veins would collapse due to repeated needle insertions and under strong suction. Thus, it is crucial that the veins are enlarged and strong to bear the extra pressure and extra blood flow.

In most cases, the radial artery and the cephalic vein in the patient’s wrist are combined to create the AV fistula for dialysis treatment.

There are two common types of arteriovenous fistulas created for dialysis-

• Distal AVF, also known as radial-cephalic fistula or Cimino fistula, is created by using the radial artery and the cephalic vein in the wrist.
• Proximal fistula, which can be created using the brachial artery and cephalic vein in the proximal forearm or by using the brachial artery and the basilic vein in the upper arm.

On average, AV fistula surgery for dialysis in Mumbai will cost you around Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,50,000. This is only an estimated cost that may vary based on factors, such as type of fistula created, doctor’s fee, graft/shunt cost (if any), diagnostic tests, etc.

To find the best vascular surgeon in Mumbai who can perform AV fistula surgery for dialysis as well as other vascular access surgeries safely, follow the tips below-

• Talk to your nephrologist or kidney doctor for reference.
• Make a list of doctors available nearby with a good reputation and proper qualifications and certifications.
• See how many years of experience the doctor has.
• Check the hospital or clinic the doctor is associated with and its reputation.
• Review the testimonials of previous patients who have gotten treatment from the doctor.

Whether you are living in Mumbai or any other city in India, Pristyn Care is the best place to find the most qualified and experienced surgeons. We have a dedicated team of vascular surgeons who have more than 15 years of experience in performing vascular access surgeries safely. You can rely on their expertise and get the respective treatment from them.

The alternative method used for patients who cannot undergo AV fistula surgery due to weakness in blood vessels is AV graft surgery or venous catheter. In the graft surgery procedure, an artificial vein is installed in the body that allows dialysis. If immediate dialysis is required, the same can be done with the help of a venous catheter until the long-term solution is created.

Among the three possible vascular access methods- AV fistula, AV graft, and venous catheter, AV fistula is a preferable method for dialysis because-

• It provides good blood flow for dialysis treatment.
• The fistula lasts longer than other types of access.
• The AV fistula is less likely to get infected and lead to other complications.

Yes. Whether you are undergoing arteriovenous fistula surgery for dialysis or any other form of vascular access surgery, the procedure will be covered under the health insurance policy. Thus, you can use the policy to cover the entire expense of the treatment.

Yes. At Pristyn Care, we provide No-Cost EMI service for all types of treatment, including for AV fistula creation for effective dialysis treatment regardless of the city. With this service, you can pay for the treatment in easy installments.

Fistula maturation is generally defined with the help of the 6S rule, which includes-

• The flow within the fistula is greater than 600 mL/min.
• Diameter of the fistula is around 6mm.
• It must be 6mm below the skin.
• Minimum 6 cm of the vein is used for cannulation.
• A thorough examination of the fistula is needed after 6 weeks.

As the skin is cut to create a fistula, there will be a visible scar on the skin. Over time, as the skin heals from the surgery, the scar will fade away and may become unnoticeable.

Generally, it will take almost a month or so to recover completely after undergoing an AV fistula or vascular access surgery. The exact recovery time will be different for each individual. Thus, the surgeon will give you an estimate and plan for faster recovery.

You will have to take 2-3 follow-ups after undergoing AVF surgery for dialysis. The first follow-up will be recommended within 7-10 days to see if the body is healing properly. The second follow-up will be done after 3-4 weeks to ensure that the fistula is working and there are no complications. When the recovery is complete, the final follow-up will take place after 6 weeks to check whether the fistula has matured or not.