[Arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis--patency rates and complications--a retrospective study].

In this study we investigated 213 forearm-fistulas, 233 elbow-fistulas, 21 bridge-fistulas and 3 axillo-axillary vascular accesses. 129 revisions were necessary to preserve the vascular access. The patency rates of the 170 primary forearm fistulas and the 140 primary elbow fistulas were 45 resp. 54%. We preferred the end-to-end-anastomosis for the forearm position and for the elbow the side-to-end-anastomosis. There were no differences between the type of anastomosis, localization and the second constructions as regards the patency rates. The results of the-end-to-end-fistulas were much better in male than female patients. Besides we had better results after thrombectomy in the elbow position compared to the forearm position. We found that a vein diameter less than 2 mm gave worse results. The most frequent complication of the fistulas was the thrombosis. Autologous and alloplastic transplants (grafts) were only taken if it wasn't possible to create an arteriovenous fistula by the orthotopic vessels.