Vrinda Ankolekar et al RENAL ARTERY VARIATIONS: A CADAVERIC STUDY WITH CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Objectives: To observe and report the variations of renal artery in human cadavers. To compare the previous studies with the present study to report the incidence of the important type of variation. Methods: The study was performed on 60 cadaveric kidneys. The posterior abdominal wall was dissected in 30 embalmed cadavers to study the paired kidneys based on the method given in Cunningham’s manual of practical anatomy Vol II. Results: The following parameters were observed. The number of renal arteries supplying each kidney, single in 73.33%, double in 23.33%, triple in 3.33%. The level of origin of renal arteries (RA), Right RA higher origin in 63.33%, Left RA higher origin in 10%, both right and left RA origin at same level in 26.7%. Branching of RA, Hilar in 88.33%, Prehilar in 11.67%. The prevalence of accessory renal arteries (ARA) in the present study is 25%. The percentage of unilateral ARA in the present study is 11.67% and of bilateral ARA is 6.67%. The percentage of arteries entering superior pole of the kidney, superior polar arteries (SPA) was 6.67%, inferior polar arteries(IPA) 10%, and hilar arteries(HA) 11.67%.. Percentage of origin of ARA from aorta is 20%, from main renal artery is 8.33%. Percentage of origin of SPA, IPA and HA from aorta is 3.33%, 8.33%, 8.33% and from main renal arteries is 2.33%, 1.67%, 2.33% respectively. Conclusion: Anatomical knowledge of the vascular variations is essential for the clinician to perform procedures such as renal transplantation, renal vascular operations more safely and efficiently.