Damascus, May 25 (SANA) Syrian health authorities on Monday concluded the first phase of the “Lifeline” campaign for dialysis patients after completing a series of free arteriovenous fistula surgeries at the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Hospital.
Three surgeries were performed on the final day of the campaign, bringing the total number of procedures to nine following six operations conducted last week. Medical teams reported successful outcomes in all cases.
Dr. Issa Hourani, a specialist in vascular diseases and surgery, said arteriovenous fistulas are considered the preferred long-term access method for patients requiring regular dialysis treatment.
He explained that the procedure creates a surgical connection between an artery and a vein to facilitate blood flow during dialysis sessions.
Hourani said fistulas provide stronger and more stable blood flow than venous catheters or synthetic grafts, helping improve dialysis efficiency while reducing the risk of infection, blood clotting and repeated complications requiring hospitalization.
He added that fistulas can remain functional for years if properly maintained and advised patients to avoid measuring blood pressure or drawing blood from the affected arm, in addition to avoiding heavy lifting and monitoring blood flow daily.
The campaign is part of a Ministry of Health initiative supported by Al-Hidaya Islamic Association’s Health Fund to provide free fistula procedures for around 30 dialysis patients at Kidney Surgical Hospital and Red Crescent hospitals.
kA.ABD
