Learn about Arteriovenous Fistula Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Arteriovenous Fistula and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Arteriovenous Fistula

An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a surgical procedure performed by a general surgeon to create a direct connection between an artery and a vein, typically in the arm. This connection allows for increased blood flow and vessel dilation, making the vein suitable for repeated needle insertions required for hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The procedure is considered the gold standard vascular access for dialysis due to its superior longevity and lower complication rates compared to other access types. It is usually performed under local or regional anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The surgeon carefully selects suitable vessels, makes a small incision, and sutures the artery and vein together to form a durable, high-flow connection that matures over several weeks before it can be used for dialysis.

Key Highlights

    Considered the gold standard and preferred long-term vascular access for hemodialysis.Offers superior patency (stays open longer) and lower infection rates compared to catheters or grafts.Provides reliable, high-volume blood flow necessary for efficient dialysis treatment.Reduces long-term complications and hospitalizations related to vascular access.Performed as an outpatient procedure, often under local anesthesia.

Who is this surgery for?

  • End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring long-term hemodialysis.
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 5, when dialysis is imminent.
  • Failure or contraindication of other forms of vascular access (e.g., central venous catheters).
  • To provide a durable and reliable access point for repeated needle insertions during dialysis sessions.
  • Planned creation of vascular access well in advance of needing dialysis to allow time for maturation.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive vascular mapping via ultrasound to assess vein and artery size, quality, and blood flow.
  • Review of medical history, medications (especially blood thinners), and allergies.
  • Pre-operative blood tests, including coagulation profile and kidney function tests.
  • Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure if sedation or general anesthesia is planned.
  • Discussion with the surgical team about the planned site (usually non-dominant arm) and the procedure.
  • Informed consent process detailing benefits, risks, and alternatives.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding or hematoma (blood collection) at the surgical site.
  • Infection of the incision or the fistula itself.
  • Thrombosis (clotting) leading to fistula failure or blockage.
  • Steal syndrome, where blood flow is diverted from the hand, causing coldness, numbness, or pain.
  • Nerve injury near the surgical site, potentially causing temporary or permanent numbness or weakness.
  • Fistula aneurysm (bulging or weakening of the vessel wall) over time.
  • Failure of the fistula to mature adequately for dialysis use.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • The arm will be elevated to reduce swelling, and a dressing will cover the incision.
  • Pain is usually mild and managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Keep the incision clean and dry for the first few days as instructed.
  • Avoid heavy lifting, pressure, or blood pressure checks on the operated arm for several weeks.
  • Perform prescribed hand and arm exercises (e.g., squeezing a soft ball) to promote fistula maturation and strength.
  • Attend all follow-up appointments for wound checks and fistula assessment with ultrasound.
  • The fistula typically requires 4-8 weeks to mature (enlarge and strengthen) before it can be used for dialysis.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Outpatient or 1 day
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks for fistula maturation

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering arteriovenous fistula in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for arteriovenous fistula compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 435 – USD 1,305 Outpatient or 1 day ~ 4-8 weeks for fistula maturation Know More
Turkey USD 3,221 – USD 9,663 Outpatient or 1 day ~ 4-8 weeks for fistula maturation Know More

Top hospitals for Arteriovenous Fistula in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing arteriovenous fistula.

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I was a total wreck before...

I was a total wreck before my appointment. First time seeing a doctor on my own and I was convinced it was something serious. Dr. Ram just listened, didn't rush me, and explained everything in a way that actually calmed me down. The hospital is huge and a bit overwhelming, but he made it feel okay. Left feeling like I could breathe again.

General surgeons for Arteriovenous Fistula

Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform arteriovenous fistula and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Chandan Juneja
  • 39 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Krishna Reddy G V
  • 31 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kushankur Guha
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Azhar Alam
  • 12 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. H Shivananda Prabhu
  • 9 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Susenjit Prasad Mahato
  • 21 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Atindriya Biswas
  • 23 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Govind Nandakumar
  • 21 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Manohar V Pai
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Purnachandra Thejaswi
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shivananda Prabhu
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Veeresh M Annigeri
  • 16 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Venuprasad N
  • 5 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Balakrishna S
  • 5 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amit Kumar Dutta
  • 20 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Girish Ram Kamat
  • 23 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Girish S P
  • 21 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shivaprasad G S
  • 15 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Praveen S
  • 27 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amitabha Ghosh
  • 30 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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