Review of the supernumerary renal arteries by dissection method

Introduction. A thorough knowledge of the variations of the renal artery has grown in importance with the increasing numbers of renal transplants. The literature indicates that multiple renal arteries are found in 9-76% cases. The purpose of this study was to establish the incidence and characteristics in cadavers. Methods. The examinations were performed on 39 cadavers dissected in the Department of Anatomy Faculty of Medicine University of Sarajevo. Results. The anatomical findings included the presence of multiple renal arteries in 18 (46.15) cases. Most often the hilar and lower polar arteries were found, while the upper polar artery was present in only 5.1% cases. Conclusions. In preparation for interventions, such as live renal donation, vascular reconstruction, renovascular hypertension, or radical nephrectomy, preoperative renal imaging is necessary and operative techniques should be considered with attention to multiple renal arteries. The recognition of multiple renal arteries is both anatomically significant and in surgical and radiological practice.