The incidence of ESKD in Fiji is high. This is a substantial public health problem that is likely impacting life expectancy and quality of life. Improving screening, detection and management of kidney disease should be given more prominence in programs to address non-communicable diseases in Fiji and the Western Pacific. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Early creation of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) decreases morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease and is the standard of care in the United States. However, this procedure is frequently not accessible in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We present the first reported case of successful AVF creation as part of a humanitarian assistance mission. The patient was a 51-year-old male with diabetes, hypertension, and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis via a temporary dialysis catheter. Preoperative assessment and patient selection were coordinated with the host nation (HN) nephrologist and dialysis team. The visiting surgical team provided education on AVF anatomy, complications, and cannulation techniques to the HN dialysis team. A left brachiocephalic AVF was created under regional anesthesia performed by the visiting surgeon and anesthesiologists. There were no postoperative complications, and the AVF was matured and accessed successfully by the HN dialysis team 7 weeks after creation. Performing AVFs as part of humanitarian assistance missions has the potential to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in LMICs.
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