[Temporary vascular access in Reunion]

The high proportion of diabetic patients is partly responsible for the high frequency of chronic renal failure in Reunion. The confection and maintenance of an arterio-venous fistule is a major problem in those patients. We report herein our experience with temporary vascular access by internal jugular vein catherization with subcutaneous tunnelization using silastic catheters. The mean duration of utilisation of these accesses is 107 days for diabetic patients and 98 days for nondiabetic patients. The major complication observed is sepsis (18.36%). Diabetes mellitus which represent a traditional risk factor does not seem to be responsible here, the climatic and hygienic conditions prevailing in this part of the world could be a contributing factor. Nevertheless, we find the utilisation of these catheters a suitable solution during the waiting period because it is an easy operation, of the good quality of the material used and the comfort brought to the patient.