Vascular Access Surgery – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on vascular access surgery. This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients needing to undergo haemodialysis due to kidney disease or kidney failure.

The different surgical approaches for vascular access surgery are described. The surgical techniques discussed include:

• Arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula)
• Prosthetic graft
• Central venous catheter (CVC)

The benefits, risks and limitations of each procedure are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery, including specific risks of AV fistula surgery, a prosthetic graft and a central venous catheter, are listed to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Vascular access surgery is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.