The effect of stellate ganglion block on the function of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis: A randomized trial.

Background and Purpose: The best access for hemodialysis is an autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The most helpful way for vasodilation in the upper limb is stellate ganglion block. We aim to evaluate the effect of stellate ganglion block on outcome of vascular access for dialysis.
Materials and Methods: Some 105 hemodialysis patients were randomly allocated to three groups: In group 1, stellate ganglion block was performed before fistula surgery. Group 2 had stellate ganglion block after surgery and group 3 was control group without any block. Primary outcome for all groups was functional dialysis, which is defined as successful hemodialysis for 1 month.
Results: The three groups were similar in age, gender, and underlying diseases. Stellate ganglion block before operation had a meaningful increase in successful hemodialysis rate, when compared with the other groups (p = 0.02).
Conclusion: Stellate ganglion block before arteriovenous fistula surgery in the upper limbs improves hemodialysis success rate.