• Reference Number: HEY1363-2023
• Departments: Day Surgery (DSC) (CHH), Vascular Surgery
• Last Updated: 1 May 2023

Introduction

This advice sheet has been produced to give you information about your surgery. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace discussion between you and the healthcare team, but may act as a starting point for discussion If, after reading it you require further explanation please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.

The dialysis nurse will look after your fistula when you attend for dialysis. If you are not currently on dialysis, your fistula will be checked at your next renal clinic appointment or an appointment will be made for you to attend the Vascular Access clinic in 6 to 8 weeks’ time. Any concerns in the interim please contact the Renal Access Nurse.

However it is important that you look for signs of swelling, soreness, redness, bleeding or other discharges.

It is very important to check that your fistula is working. The nurse will show you how to do this before you go home.

• Please DO check that your fistula is ‘buzzing’ every day.
• Please DO NOT put any creams or lotions on your wound.
• Please DO NOT allow the wound to become wet when bathing /showering
• If your fistula stops ‘buzzing’ then you must tell the staff at the Renal unit or Renal Access Nurse immediately

Avoid any injury to your arm.

Avoid constrictions on your fistula arm e.g. jewellery, watch, cuffs, tight clothing and armbands.

Do not lift heavy objects with your fistula arm for at least eight weeks

You should not drive for 2 weeks

• Never let anyone take your blood pressure on your fistula arm.
• Never let anyone take blood from or insert any type of needle except for dialysis needles in your fistula arm.

If you have any problems or need further advice please contact:

Hull Royal Infirmary

Renal Access Nurse on tel: 01482 608709

Renal Unit – Nurses Station on tel: 01482 608748 

During weekends and Bank Holidays:

Ward 50 – Nurses’ station on tel: 01482 675050  or the Sister’s Office on tel: 01482 674980

Looking after your fistula after your discharge

You will have dissolvable stitches at the site of the operation.

Keep your fistula arm warm as this will help the blood flow through the fistula.

You may be given dressings to cover your fistula to protect it until it is healed.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this advice sheet, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic telephone – tel: 01482 608709