Complications of vascular accesses in dialysis patients – the need for nursing education

Introduction: The availability of dialysis services allows for restoration of health or prolongation of life. Great importance is attached to the care and prevention of vascular access complications. Aim: To learn about the frequency of complications of vascular accesses in dialysis patients in the context of the need for nursing education.

Material and methods: The study comprised 60 patients with terminal renal failure, who were undergoing hemodialysis. The research tool was an original questionnaire containing 22 questions on the subject of the study.

Results: The most frequent complications of all vascular accesses included hematoma (28.3%) and thrombosis (25%). There was a significant correlation between a fistula made of the patient’s own blood vessels and the presence of hematoma (p = 0.034; Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.043). The smallest number of complications occurred with arterio-venous fistulae made of the patient’s own blood vessels (54%) and the highest number was in patients with an implanted permanent catheter (75%). More than 41.7% of them knew the principles of self-care and declared their use.

Conclusions: A fistula made of the patient’s own blood vessels is the best method of vascular access, but its formation and prevention of complications is an important issue. Patient education is important for the proper functioning of fistulas; it influences the length and quality of life.