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The Challenge Of Covid19 In The Management Of Vascular Access For Hemodialysis In An Universitary Hospital
Beatriz Afonso1, Leandro Nóbrega2, Ricardo Castro-Ferreira3
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Oporto, Portugal.
Summary
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals adapted to expedite arteriovenous fistula creation for chronic kidney disease patients. Despite longer waits for initial consultations, surgery times were reduced, showing successful resource management.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Nephrology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rising global prevalence of chronic kidney disease necessitates effective treatments.
- The COVID-19 pandemic placed significant strain on global healthcare systems.
- Evaluating the impact of the pandemic on surgical procedures is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a single center's experience with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation.
- To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AVF procedures.
- To analyze changes in patient wait times for vascular access.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of AVF creation procedures at a tertiary hospital.
- Data collection from March 2017 to December 2020.
- Comparison of pre-COVID and during-COVID periods.
Main Results:
- 582 AVF procedures were analyzed (506 pre-COVID, 62 during COVID).
- Referral-to-consultation time increased significantly during COVID (18 vs 28 days).
- Consultation-to-surgery time decreased significantly during COVID (76 vs 40 days), shortening overall referral-to-surgery time.
Conclusions:
- Hospitals demonstrated adaptability in resource management during the pandemic.
- Despite initial delays, AVF creation was expedited during COVID-19.
- Successful efforts were made to reduce vascular access creation times.
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