Time to Move Away from Damage Control Strategy in Hemodialysis Vascular Access Management: A View from Saudi Arabia

For the last 40 years, most of the research and publications on hemodialysis access, has focused on the management of its complications e.g. thrombosis, infection, aneurysms. In other words, a damage control strategy. While this is undoubtedly an important part of access management, it is a deficient reactive strategy that does not enhance a better quality of life for patients or help reduce the burden on health care resources. To achieve these objectives, efforts should be directed at ways which provide a longer access life with fewer complications. Such an approach would save costs and reduce the suffering of the patient. In this paper we will focus on hemodialysis management in Saudi Arabia, describe the reasons for the current unsatisfactory situation, and highlight possible remedies.