WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about a fistulogram? A fistulogram is a procedure to find or fix problems in your arteriovenous (AV) graft or fistula. How do I prepare for a fistulogram? Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for your procedure. He may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. He will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure. You may need to stop taking blood thinners or aspirin several days before your procedure. You will be given contrast liquid during your procedure to help your blood vessels show up better in pictures. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure. What will happen during a fistulogram? - You may be given IV medicine to help you relax and local anesthesia to numb the area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during the procedure, but you should not feel any pain. Your healthcare provider will insert a catheter into your graft or fistula. He will inject contrast liquid through the catheter and take x-rays. You may feel warm or nauseous as the contrast liquid is injected. This is normal and should go away in a few minutes.
- Your healthcare provider may measure the blood flow or pressure in your graft or fistula. He may insert tools through the catheter and remove a blood clot or blockage. He may also widen the opening of the fistula or graft and place a stent. Your healthcare provider will remove the catheter when he is done. He will hold pressure over the area for several minutes. He may place a pressure bandage over the puncture site to help stop any bleeding.
What will happen after a fistulogram? Healthcare providers will monitor you until you are awake. They will also monitor the puncture site for bleeding. You may be able to go home or you may need to spend a night in the hospital. You may get dialysis after your procedure. Your arm or leg may be sore, swollen, and bruised after the procedure. This is normal and should get better in a few days. What are the risks of a fistulogram? Your healthcare provider may not be able to fix problems that he finds in your graft or fistula. You may get an infection or bleed more than expected. Your blood vessels, graft, or fistula may be damaged during the procedure. You may get a blood clot in your limb, lung, heart, or brain. The contrast liquid may cause kidney failure or an allergic reaction. These problems may become life-threatening. |