The radiocephalic fistula as vascular access for chemotherapy

Abstract

AbstractIn 110 patients 127 radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas were performed as vascular access for chemotherapy. If patients did not receive cytostatic agents prior to the operation or were treated for less than 4 weeks, the success rate of the operation was 75%. If chemotherapy was administered for longer than 4 weeks, it was possible to construct a functioning fistula in only 28% of patients. The radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula is considered to be a convenient access for chemotherapy provided the operation is performed before the start of the treatment.