Amputations associated with arteriovenous access

Salvage of the Hand with a Free Flap in a Hemodialysis Patient with Finger Gangrene and Ipsilateral Arteriovenous Fistula: A Case Report

We describe the case of a female with end-stage renal disease who developed a left ischemic hand and index finger gangrene 2 years after commencement of hemodialysis. Ray amputation was performed, however, the surgical wound was complicated by progressive soft tissue necrosis and metacarpal bones exposure. To avoid amputation at a higher level, we repaired the defect successfully with a free anterolateral thigh perforator flap. A radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula, the dialysis access, was divided to provide the recipient vessels. Reconstruction with this method has the advantage of a staged arteriovenous fistula, which can increase the free-flap success rate, and has the potential to improve perfusion of the distal ischemic hand.

The hemodialysis patient and hand amputation

The hemodialysis patient requires continued attention once an access surgery has been performed. These procedures lead to an anticipated physiological steal in the involved hand, but rarely lead to hand loss. When the patient has had previous peripheral vascular disease, known diabetes mellitus, multiple interventions on the same extremity, and the use of a synthetic graft, the incidence of digital or hand ischemia is significantly increased. This article represents 3 individuals who required hand amputation for severe ischemia. The pertinent clinical features in each individual will be explained and the literature reviewed for the factors promoting this complication and the all-autogenous access policies which may help to prevent hand ischemia.