#1 ESRD Surgery in Alliance, TX
The key function of the kidneys is to clear toxins from the blood. When they fail, to prevent end-stage renal disease, however, the patient might need dialysis to filter out the toxins. This can be temporary using catheters placed in the neck. If more permanent dialysis is required, an arteriovenous fistula or graft can be placed in the arm or thigh. Peritoneal dialysis is another option that can be undertaken by the patient at home.
As with most robotic-assisted procedures, there is typically much less pain after ESRD surgery than with the open procedure, less blood loss (and therefore less need for a blood transfusion), less scarring (both internally and externally), a shorter hospital stay (usually one to two days versus up to a week), and shorter overall recovery time before a return to normal activities.
What is dialysis access?
In order to perform dialysis and filter the blood from toxins, the patient needs to be connected to the dialysis machine. There are temporary and permanent options.
- Temporary options consist of a variety of catheters that can be placed in the neck or in the groin. These can be short-term catheters (that can stay in place for up to 10-14 days) and long-term catheters (that can stay in place for a few weeks to months)
- Permanent dialysis options are typically placed in the arm but can also be placed in the groin. They include arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and arteriovenous grafts (AVG).
- An AVF is created using the patient’s own veins. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. It involves connecting a vein to an artery. An AVF takes 6-8 weeks to mature (grow bigger and thicker) to the extent that dialysis nurses can stick needles into it and use it for dialysis.
- If the patient has small veins, an AVG is usually the better option. It can also be placed on an outpatient basis. Most AVGs can be used within a couple of weeks of placement. Some can be used as early as the day following surgery.
- Peritoneal dialysis is an alternative to hemodialysis. It involves the placement of a catheter into the belly. This catheter can be used at home, usually overnight, allowing the patient to continue with their life during the day.
Which dialysis access is best according to ESRD surgeons in Alliance, TX?
There are multiple factors. If urgent dialysis is needed, then a catheter will need to be placed. Catheters should be taken out as soon as possible to avoid long term complications like infection, clogging, and scarring of the big veins in the chest.
For long-term dialysis, AVFs are best as they last longer and are less prone to becoming infected or clogged up. An AVG is a suitable option if a patient has small veins that are unlikely to mature.
Peritoneal dialysis catheters can be used overnight, allowing patients to proceed with their daily activities without the need to go to a dialysis center three times a week.
Why North Texas Surgical Specialists?
Our ESRD surgeons have vast experience in placing and maintaining dialysis access. We believe in the fistula-first initiative, and in minimizing the use of hemodialysis catheters. Our services include:
- New access placement
- Revision of old accesses with problems like large pseudoaneurysms, ulceration, and bleeding
- Ligation of old access no longer needed
- Salvaging thrombosed (clogged up) accesses to potentially prolong their life
- Managing access complications like poor flow and steal syndrome
- Advanced access placement to manage central vein blockages including advanced venography, venoplasty, stenting, and the placement of SuperHERO grafts
With a team of expert surgeons, a patient-centered approach, access to advanced technology, and a wide range of services, North Texas Surgical Specialists can provide the best possible ESRD surgery in Alliance, TX, including dialysis access surgery. It is important for patients with ESRD to consult with their healthcare team and choose a qualified and experienced provider for their dialysis access surgery. Contact us for more information and schedule your appointment!
Testimonials from our Patients
Maxia M.
PatientDr. Long Nguyen saved my life. The surgery was very complicated and he is my hero. The second surgery was excellent. I recommend North Texas Surgical Specialists to all of my friends and family.
James S.
PatientThe staff was very kind and helpful. Dr. Halbouni was very patient-oriented and took the time to explain everything with drawings and answered all of my questions in ways I could understand.
Dianna W.
PatientI love Dr. Jay Patel. He has a very good bedside manner, very professional & nice. I absolutely would recommend him to everyone. I love him & I thank him for everything & giving me my life back. I will forever be in his debt. He is so awesome! Thank you!
Sylvia T.
PatientDr Jay Patel performed two surgeries on me the first surgery was a fundoplication and a second surgery was a hiatal hernia repair. I am able to actually drink water now and not get heartburn and not have it come up through my nose. You listened to what I had to say about what my problem was and able to fix with no other doctor would do they just kept overlooking everything so once again I want to tell you thank you so very much this is a big change in my life after going through this for so many years.
