Abstract: 【Abstract】 Objective To investigate the effects of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) at different incision site on patency rate in elderly maintenance hemodialysis patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was made to compare the patency rate of autogenous AVF at lower part of forearm or upper part of forearm between elderly and non-elderly hemodialysis patients. We also compared the patency rate of autogenous AVF between diabetic and non-diabetic elderly patients. Results There was no statistical difference between elderly patients and non-elderly patients in patency rate within 3-48 months after AVF operation. In elderly patients, the patency rate within 3-24 months after operation was higher in AVFs at lower part of forearm than those at upper part of forearm (X2=7.699, P=0.022; X2=6.460, P=0.026; X2=8.271, P=0.009; X2=4.643, P=0.031), the patency rate within 36-48 months after operation was lower in AVFs in diabetic patients than those in non-diabetic patients(X2=5.963, P=0.015; X2=27.388, P=0.000). Conclusion Autogenous AVF at lower part of forearm gives higher patency rate, and is preferable to be used in elderly maintenance hemodialysis patients. Diabetes affects the long-term patency rate of autogenous AVF in these patients.

Key words: Elderly, Autogenous arteriovenous fistula, Forearm, Maintenance hemodialysis