Impact of surgeon factor on radiocephalic fistula patency rates

INTRODUCTION Hemodialysis with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has been widely accepted treatment modality for patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Radiocephalic fistulas are considered to be the most desirable for the initial vascular access. The aim of this study is to investigate the surgeon factor on radiocephalic fistula patency rates. METHODS A total of 186 patients with diagnosis of CRF underwent Radiocephalic fistula for hemodialysis access were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to operating surgeon. Patients were evaluated according to demographic characteristics, secondary patency rates, second AVF creation and complications. RESULTS Mean age was 57.7 ± 14.8 years. The most common etiology of CRF was idiopathic (66.6%). 40 (75.5%) patients in group 1 and 122 (91.7%) patients in group 2 were pre-dialysis patients (p < 0.05). Overall secondary patency rate was 77.4%. Patients in group 1 and group 2 have secondary patency rates of 83% and 75.2%, respectively (p = 0.458). Second AVF creation was done in 2 (3.8%) patients in group 1 and 23 (17.3%) patients in group 2 (p < 0.05). Postoperative complication rate was 9.6%. CONCLUSION Operating surgeon is not a major factor of secondary patency in radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas.