Experiences with 45 uremic patients with arteriovenous fistulas for dialysis are described. The operation is easy and successful if the vessels of the patient are intact. Varicose syndromes of the hand may occur but can be managed. Complications from cannulations, such as large hematomas, are rare but may obstruct otherwise good fistulas. The fistula should be constructed in good time before a definite need for dialysis arises.