Aim: Recent studies have shown that survival and complication rates of thigh grafts are similar to those of arm grafts and fistulas. However, there is little information in the literature regarding patients' preference for thigh grafts.
Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted on patients currently on hemodialysis (n=196), who were queried regarding their preference for location of their next access (arm graft v. thigh graft). Data on their age, race, gender, educational level, and dialysis access history was collected.
Results: 93 percent of patients were African American and 64 percent male; 96 percent had been on dialysis ≥1 year. 81 percent patients had completed high school or higher education. Current access was arm fistula (55 percent), catheter (29 percent), arm graft (13 percent) and thigh graft (3 percent). Seven percent of patients had thigh grafts at some point in their access history. Overall, 90 percent patients preferred an arm graft and 10 percent a thigh graft. Patients' age, gender, level of education, particular dialysis unit, and dialysis vintage did not influence patient preference. Those patients with a current or prior thigh graft were more likely to prefer a thigh graft for their next access, when compared to those who never had a thigh graft, 36 percent v. 8 percent (P=0.001).
Conclusions: The likelihood of patient preference for placement of a thigh graft is increased by the existence of a current or prior thigh graft. Other demographic factors and dialysis history seem not to influence patient preference.