Fistulogram

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

A fistulogram is a procedure to look for abnormal areas in your dialysis fistula or graft that may be causing problems with your dialysis. Problems may include areas of blocked veins or arteries, or abnormal narrowing.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call 911 for any of the following:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
• You cough up blood.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of holding firm, direct pressure over the puncture site.

Seek care immediately if:

• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• Your hand or foot closest to the graft or fistula feels cold, painful, or numb.
• Your hand or foot closest to the graft or fistula is pale or blue.
• You have trouble moving your arm or leg closest to the graft or fistula.
• Your bruise suddenly gets bigger.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• Your puncture site is red, swollen, or draining pus.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
• You cannot feel a thrill over your graft or fistula.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
  • Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
  • Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
  • Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
  • Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Care for your wound as directed:

Remove the bandage in 4 to 6 hours or as directed. Wash the area once a day with soap and water. Gently pat the area dry.

Self-care:

• Apply firm, steady pressure to the puncture site if it bleeds. Use a clean gauze or towel to hold pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. Call 911 if you cannot stop the bleeding or the bleeding gets heavier.
• Feel for a thrill once a day or as directed. Place your index and second finger over your fistula or graft as directed. You should feel a vibration. The vibration means that blood is flowing through your graft or fistula correctly.
• Rest your arm or leg as directed. Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds or do strenuous activity for 24 hours.
• Prevent damage to your graft or fistula. Do not wear tight-fitting clothing over your graft or fistula. Do not wear tight jewelry on the arm or leg with the graft or fistula. Tell healthcare providers not to do, IVs, blood draws, and blood pressure readings in the arm with your graft or fistula. Do not allow flu shots or vaccinations in your arm with your graft or fistula.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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