Timing of referral for vascular access placement: A systematic review

Objective This review was conducted to determine the optimal timing for referring patients with end-stage renal disease to vascular surgery for access placement. Methods A systematic review of the electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Contents, Cochrane CENTRAL and Web of Science) was conducted through March 2007. Randomized and observational studies were eligible if they compared an early referral cohort with a late referral cohort in terms of patient-important outcomes such as death, access-related sepsis, and hospitalization related to access complications. Results We found no studies that fulfilled eligibility criteria. Conclusion At the present time, the optimal timing for referral to vascular surgery for vascular access placement is based on expert opinion and choices made by patients and physicians.