End-To-Side versus Side-To-Side Anastomosis in Upper Limb Arteriovenous Fistula for Dialysis Access: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis.

Background: An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the best modality for hemodialysis access. The end-to-side (ETS) technique has been suggested in the literature to produce superior results to the side-to-side (STS) approach; however, in the absence of a systematic review, this practice remains debatable.

Methods: Online search for randomized controlled trials and observational studies that compared the ETS versus the STS anastomosis techniques in creating an upper limb AVF.