MANCHESTER, Jamaica—Hundreds of patients living with chronic kidney disease across southern Jamaica gained improved access to haemodialysis treatment through Mandeville Regional Hospital’s (MRH) arteriovenous (AV) fistula programme, which completed a milestone of 300 surgeries over the past five years.

Dr Varunesh Chand, consultant general surgeon at the MRH explained that the surgery, which involves creating a connection or anastomosis between an artery and a vein, typically in the forearm or arm, provides the vascular access required for dialysis treatment.

“AV fistulas are widely regarded as the preferred access option because they are more durable, carry a lower risk of infection, and generally result in fewer complications than dialysis catheters” he added.