Hemodialysis requires reliable access to the bloodstream several times a week. A fistula utilises your own blood vessels, and this is why it is the preferred method for long term access for most patients.

What to expect during surgery: the operation is usually done as day surgery, under a regional block or a general anaesthetic. Dr Salter makes a small cut in the arm and joins the artery to the vein. This procedure usually takes 1-2 hours.

Recovery and maturation: the arm will be painful for several days. The fistula cannot be used immediately as it needs time to become strong enough for the dialysis needles. Your renal team will check when it is ready for use for dialysis. You will be shown how to feel for the buzz, or thrill, over the fistula, and also asked to avoid blood pressure cuffs and blood tests in that arm.

Dr Salter’s rooms will send you what you need to know beforehand. The full checklist is on the Patient Information page.