Buttonhole in the UK

[AlasdairUK]

Does anybody know of anyone or any centre that uses the buttonhole in the uk with blunt needles?

I'm looking into using this method, but my hospital can't just go ahead and perform a "new" technique without getting ethical approval, just in case anything goes wrong.

[renal30yrs]

Buttonhole has been widely in continental Europe (over 30 yeas in places like Poland). Its raher surprizing to see non widespraed buttonhole use in Britain.

[angieskidney]

If they don't have blunt needles I don't know how you would be able to even establish your own buttonholes even if you are in a unit that doesn't do it. But maybe you can talk to someone and start something up? I don't know.

[AlasdairUK]

My unit has blunt needles, but is not allowed to use them until they get ethical approval. I was trying to find another unit within the UK that has applied for ethical approval otherwise it will take my unit about six months to apply and be granted permission.

The UK seems to frown upon the idea of using the buttonhole even though the practice has been around for some time.

[angieskidney]

My unit has blunt needles, but is not allowed to use them until they get ethical approval. I was trying to find another unit within the UK that has applied for ethical approval otherwise it will take my unit about six months to apply and be granted permission.

The UK seems to frown upon the idea of using the buttonhole even though the practice has been around for some time.

A guy in my unit (Canadian HD) didn't want to wait like I did so he just started cannulating himself and establishing his own buttonholes (I just talked to him this past Friday and he told me). So I know it is possible just to do it yourself. The unit might want you to sign some sort of form to release them from responsibility though.

[MattyBoy100]

Hi Alasdair,

I checked at my unit, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary and the nurses that were due to go for training at Glasgow Western haven't been yet.  I have discussed this in some detail at Dumfries and the general opinion is that buttonhole is really to be used with patients that have poor access or do home hemo.  I was considering doing it too but I am self cannulating now and the pain is nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be.

If I hear any more about it I will let you know.  But you are right, it is not very widespread here for some reason.