Objective:

Polytetraflourethylene grafts are the most preffered prosthetic graft for hemodialysis patients in whom autogenous fistula can not be constructed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the result of the arteriovenous fistula created with loop polytetraflourethylene grafts in patients with chronic renal failure, in the early and mid term.

Methods:

This study includes a total of 23 chronic renal failure patients (10 patients (43,48%) were male and 13 patients (56,52%) were female) in whom we created arteriovenous fistula with loop polytetraflourethylene graft for hemodialysis between 01 January 2003 and 01 January 2004. The mean age of patients was 45,6 (range 16 to 73) years.

Results:

Patients were followed up 6 to 20 (mean 11) months. Graft thrombectomy was performed in 3 patients (13,04%) due to thrombosis after first postoperative month. Graft resection was performed in 3 patients (13,04%) due to stenosis and infection. A total of 20 patients (86,95%) undergone hemodialysis without any problem with their fistula.

Conclusion:

Arteriovenous fistula with loop polytetraflourethylene graft is a suitable access route in hemodialysis patients who has no autogenous fistula. Graft thrombosis and infection are the most complications of these fistulas.

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