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Fistula removal.

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 10:02 am
by Richard
I have an appointment with the vascular surgeon next week as advised by my transplant nurse to discuss the removal of my fistula.

Anybody have any experience of having this procedure done that could let me know what to expect?

Is it in and out in a day, much limitations of arm use after and so on?

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 4:38 pm
by wagolynn
I would expect about the same time as creating the fistula unless there are complications.

Also similar procedure, and time for recovery.

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 2:07 am
by AllenC
I had mine tied off a few months after transplant because I was experiencing a lot of pain from it.
In and out in just a few hours.
No limitations of use other than the expected wound covering for a few days.

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 7:42 am
by Richard
In and out in a few hours! :shock:

Did you have a general anaesthetic?

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 2:12 pm
by AllenC
All done with a local.
There is really nothing to worry about.

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 2:43 pm
by Richard
I had it put in with a local but that was 20 years ago and it really is quite big now.

How long had you had yours in and what sort of size had it got to?

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 3:25 am
by AllenC
My understanding is that nothing is put in.
The surgeon creates a connection between an artery and a vein.
Exactly how is a question for the surgeon.

I was very lucky to get a transplant after just 18 months on dialysis.
Mine was tied off after about two years from being created.
I still have a pea sized lump in the scar on the wrist and no recollection of it being larger.

As I said earlier, it’s done by a local anaesthetic. Something the surgeon will have done many times.
No need to worry.

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 11:33 am
by Richard
When I said put in I should have said created or connected. I realise there is no actual other thing put in your arm, just a connection made from vein to artery. So you had a lower arm fistula for two years, mine is an upper arm fistula that has been in 20 years and about the size of a hose pipe and now reaching past my shoulder and showing on my upper chest. Anyway I see the surgeon on Monday so will update you on what he recommends...

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 2:38 am
by AllenC
When I was in the dialysis unit I saw some patients with the fistula in the upper arm.
One lady had it created in her leg.
Not wanting to be insensitive I never asked why. I guess we all have medical reasons that dictated the position chosen for the fistula.

I wish you well and look forward to an update.

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 8:35 pm
by wagolynn
I think it works like this:

First choice for a Fistula is the lower arm, this leaves the upper arm available for future use.
If the lower arm blood vessels are not suitable then next choice is upper arm (in both cases the non dominant side)

After that, the dominant side may be considered, if it not possible there then the legs are next choice.

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2021 8:28 pm
by Richard
Saw the surgeon today, he gave me two choices.

Tie it off at the bottom and leave the swollen vein above or remove the whole vein and the excess skin. He recommended the second option as a more complete job. All to be done under local anaesthetic to my surprise, can't say i'm looking forward to that but will be glad to be rid of it.

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 6:43 pm
by Richard
I am now checked in at the ward and ready for my operation tomorrow.

Might be home tomorrow night if all goes well, more likely to be Tuesday morning though apparently.

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 9:14 pm
by Skm
Good Luck for tomorrow.

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2021 3:31 pm
by Thumps
Good luck!!

Re: Fistula removal.

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2021 8:13 pm
by Richard
Just to update you all, i was supposed to go down first thing but due to an emergency or two, I had to wait and only got to theatre at 4pm. I was all done and back on the ward by 6pm, still a bit sore but i think it went well. Will see what they say in the morning.