Chronic kidney disease is considered a major health problem, while the rate of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients in need for renal replacement therapy is increasing. Thus, the  necessity to preserve a good quality of life for ESKD patients in their everyday routine but also when it comes to their holidays, is imperative. 

Greece is one of the most popular European holiday destinations, all year round. Henry Dunant Hospital Center, acknowledging the importance of having an organized department to serve all ESKD patients, has formed a specialized vascular surgery clinic, offering high quality treatment.  

The 1st Clinic of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of Henry Dunant Hospital Center is a dedicated vascular access surgery department. In cooperation with the Nephrology Clinic and the Hemodialysis Unit, it provides 24/7 services to ESKD patients. 

The vascular surgery team, trained in the largest vascular access centers across Europe, is specialized in innovative techniques regarding the creation and maintenance of the vascular access (fistula). Specifically, the surgeons specialize in the: 

• Creation of vascular access. 
• Angioplasty of vascular access (with the option of ultrasound guided angioplasty) 
• Treatment of complex dysfunctional vascular access. 
• Implantation for dialysis catheter. 

All our operations are performed under local and locoregional anesthesia and 97% of our patients are discharged on the same day, returning immediately to their dialysis routine. Postoperative care is crucial in order to avoid further problems and is provided from our specialized team. 

Many ESKD patients hesitate to travel far from their dialysis center as they find it challenging for their vascular access. We are here to help them overcome this fear and make their stay in Greece more prolonged, safe, and relaxing!  

Georgios Chatzantonis, MD