Vascular access to haemodialysis: a study of 38 patients.

A series of 38 patients in whom vascular access for haemodialysis was achieved by establishing an arterio-venous shunt or arterio-venous fistula, is presented. Arteriovenous fistula provides adequate vascular access for long term haemodialysis and is associated with lesser number of complications. Arterio-venous shunt on the other hand is satisfactory for obtaining vascular access for short period of time in patients with acute renal failure. The technique of operation and the incidence of complications of both the procedures are discussed and compared with other published series (JPMA 31:126, 1981).