Quality indicators of vascular access procedures for hemodialysis.

Improved quality of surgical procedures can minimize complications, the morbidity and mortality of patients, and in addition decrease costs. Quality indicators in angioaccess surgery are, however, not clearly defined. The aim of this review article is therefore to find the most important factors affecting quality in vascular access procedures. Even though autogenous arteriovenous fistula has been recognized as the best vascular access for hemodialysis, the high percentage of unsuccessful attempts associated with it raises the question about quality assessment in angioaccess procedures. Unfortunately, quality indicators in vascular access surgery are difficult to define and measure. Among those that can be obtained are: the time between the presentation of patients to a vascular access surgeon and the construction of a fistula, the percentage of autogenous fistulas, the percentage of functional fistulas in prevalent and incident hemodialysis patients, the percentage of creation of a functional fistula in the first attempt, and durability of an access. Organizational improvement and educational programs are also necessary at institutions with inferior quality indicators of vascular access care, as even small increase in quality may mean the survival of an individual patient. Quality indicators in angioaccess surgery can also serve as a helpful tool in choosing the best vascular access surgeon or vascular access center. The choice can consequently reflect on increased survival and quality of life in patients needing hemodialysis.