A Randonimised Trial Comparing Interrupted to Continuous Suturing Techniques in Radiocephalic Fistulae

The micro-vascular anastamosis required for creation of a radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula, is technically challenging surgery. Primary patency rates for radiocephalic fistula varying between 50-75% in the literature and 60-95% within over own department. It is important to optimise primary patency rates as initial failure subjects the patient to risks of further surgery and often necessiates them commencing dialysis via a tunnelled line (which is less effective and associated with increased risks of infection) whilst a second attempt at creating a fistula is undertaken.

Multiple variations of both continuous and interrupted suture technique are described in the vascular literature, both in animal models of arterio-venous fistulae and in clinical studies in other specialities. However no study has compared the two techniques within clinical practice.

Evidence from in vivo animal studies is variable. Several authors have shown no difference in primary patency rates achieved with continuous suture versus interrupted suture technique used for anastomosis(Chen & Chen, 2001; Wilasrusmee et al 2007). Others have suggested that using a continuous suture causes a reduced cross-sectional area of the anastomosis compared to an interrupted technique (Tozzi & Hayoz, 2001). Similarly an interrupted suture technique permits expansion of the vessel at physiological pressures where as continuous technique does not (Norbert & Philip, 1996; Gerdisch & Hinkamp, 2003). This loss of compliance at the anastomosis can in turn lead to intimal hyperplasia, causing poor blood flow and failure of the anastamosis (Dorbin, 1994), indicating potential theoretical benefits of interrupted suturing.

There are no clinical studies comparing the two techniques and variation in practice varies considerably. The aim of this study therefore is the compare patency rates in radiocephalic fistulae by randomising to one or other anastomotic technique.