Mother in and out of Vanderbilt since May

Not familiar with this issue but so very sorry for your mother. And it’s painful for you too. I pray someone here can give you some direction soon. Is the wound hard to heal or can they just not get the site fixed correctly? Either way, very frustrating l know. Blessings to you for caring for her as you do.

Thank you so much! The wound has proved more than difficult to heal. Infection after infection, she just got an abdominal flap.

@cpintenich Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I'm sorry to hear about your mother's issues for a fistula placement.

There are 2 types of fistula:
-A/V "connects" a person's artery with a vein, creating a turnaround point for the blood at time of hemodialysis. This may be placed in lower arm, or between elbow and shoulder. I have even heard a few people who have had to use their thigh area.
- A graft uses an artificial plastic type material to create a fistula.

Prior to a fistula placement, the surgeon does a vein check to see that the chosen site is appropriate, and that the vessels can support the procedure and following duties. If the veins are too deep, they might opt to do a "lift" to bring everything closer to the surface. If your mother is experiencing infections, have they tried to use another site? Is it A/V or a graft? I am not sure what you meant by abdominal flap.
Ginger

My mother had an infection develop from a decades old spinal surgery, go figure. We spent nearly a year on antibiotics and IV's and then oxygen to no avail. Finally another doctor cut out a large chunk of the affected tissue, it was rotten, and she healed quickly. I hope the flap works for her, but may just need removal of much tissue.

Good luck to her, and to you.

My mother had an AV fistula created. She then developed steal syndrome. The doctors did a ligation. She then developed wound dehiscence. While still receiving Cefepime, they decided she needed a graft from her back. She went back to the ER last night and they discharged her.

@cpintenich It sounds like your mother has really been through a lot getting this all in place. With the wound healing issue, I am wondering if diabetes is the underlying cause of her kidney disease? Those who are diabetic often experience slow healing, or complications. If that is the problem, perhaps connecting with wound care specialists would offer insight to getting a successful dialysis port. Is there a reason she is not able to do peritoneal dialysis?
Ginger