RESUMO
Background: Adequate vascular access is of utmost importance for hemodialysis treatment. Upper arm fistulae, obesity and deep or tortuous veins may impair cannulation and can cause significant complications and inconvenience for the technicians and patients
Objective: We intended to present the technique of superficialization [transposition] of the brachiobasilic fistula [BBF] and its clinical outcome regarding patency and complications
Materials and Methods: Twenty two brachiobasilic fistulas were fashioned in 20 patients between October 2010 to November 2011.The second stage superficialization [transposition] was carried out at a median of 59.1 days [range: 40-90 days] after fistula formation and involved mobilizing the arterialized basilic vein through a curved longitudinal incision on the antero-medial aspect of the arm and transposing it beneath skin
Results: During the study period 20 brachiobasilic fistulas [BBF] were fashioned in 20 patients. There were 8 [40%] males and 12 [60%] females. The mean age was 53.45years + 12.34 years [range: 21-70years]. The patency rates were 90% at 6 months. Surgical complications of transposition were infection in 2 [10%] patients and lymphocoele in 4 [20%] patients
Conclusion: Transposition of brachiobasilic fistulas is technically feasible and relatively safe procedure. Patency rates at 6 months are excellent