Arteriovenous Graft Excision
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What do I need to know about an arteriovenous graft (AVG) excision?
An AVG excision is surgery to remove the AVG. You may need this surgery if the AVG weakens the artery or causes pain. A blood clot, heart problems, or swelling are also reasons to have the AVG removed.
How do I prepare for an AVG excision?
- Your surgeon will talk to you about how to prepare. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about all your allergies, including to antibiotics or anesthesia. You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
What will happen during an AVG excision?
- You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may instead be given local or regional anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With local or regional anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel pain.
- Your surgeon will make an incision in your arm. He or she will look for signs of infection. He or she may need to drain the infection or remove damaged tissue. Your surgeon will also check for and repair problems such as damage to the vein or artery. Part or all of the AVG will be removed.
- Your incision will be closed and covered with a bandage.
What should I expect after an AVG excision?
- Your arm may feel sore for several days after your surgery. You may have mild bruising or swelling near the surgery area. The surgery area may drain a few drops of blood or pink fluid for 24 hours.
- You will need to watch for and treat signs of a bacterial infection. Healthcare providers may come to your home to help you care for the surgery area.
- A new AVG may be placed about a month after surgery, if needed. The new AVG may need to be placed in a different artery than before.
- Medicines may be given to prevent or treat pain, a bacterial infection, or blood clots.
What are the risks of an AVG excision?
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. You may develop a blood clot in your arm or leg. This may become life-threatening. You may develop a hematoma (collection of blood under the skin) in the surgery area.
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