Infection Prophylaxis and Infection Control in Vascular Access Surgery

This review of 133 arteriovenous (AV) fistulas, created by implantation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft material, reports an infection rate of 16.4% in the first period from 1982 to 1985. The infection rate decreased to 5.6% in the period from 1986 to 1990. Graft infections occurred at a higher rate of 46.2% versus 20% when reoperations because of malfunction, occlusion, aneurysm, or bleeding were necessary. Graft infections can be reduced by the development of standard surgical procedures, by the local and systemic application of antibiotics, and by a careful puncture technique. The treatment of septic graft complications after primary operations resulted in a maintenance of graft function in 50%. After secondary operations the graft had to be excised in all but 1 case.