AN ANATOMICAL STUDY ON HILAR VARIATIONS AND MORPHOMETRIC DIMENSIONS OF HUMAN KIDNEYS

Abstract

Variations in renal hilar arrangement patterns and morphometric dimensions are clinically relevant in this age of advancing modern medicine and minimally invasive surgery. The purpose of the present study is to record variations in renal hilar arrangement patterns and assess renal dimensions of length, width and thickness respectively. Hilar regions of fifty isolated embalmed kidneys were carefully dissected and variations observed were photographed and documented. Renal dimensions were measured with digital calipers and values obtained were tabulated and analysed. Normal anteroposterior hilar arrangement pattern was observed in 72% cases. Anterior and posterior divisions of renal artery were observed in 24% cases with anterior division being the most anteriorly placed structure in 14% cases. The renal pelvis was situated between the divisions of the renal artery in 8% cases. Prehilar segmental branches anterior to renal vein were observed in 4% cases. Other variations seen included extrahilar branches (4%), superior polar artery arising from anterior division of renal artery, prehilar tributaries of renal vein and an additional renal artery in 1 case each. The mean renal length was 9.35+/- 0.98  cm for right and 9.25 +/- 1.25 cm for left kidneys, mean renal width  4.93 +/- 0.65 cm for right and 4.95 +/- 0.5 cm for left kidneys and mean renal thickness 3.77 +/- 0.7 cm for right and 3.86 +/- 0.53 cm for left kidneys respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed in the mean values between right and left sides. The clinical implications of these findings have been discussed. The findings of this study may enhance the existing literature and contribute additional information for improving treatment outcomes during clinical and surgical interventions.

Keywords: Variation, Hilum, Kidneys, Morphometry, Arrangement pattern, dimensions