Abstract

Introduction: Knowledge of anatomical variations of the urinary system is important for urological surgeries involving renal transplant and radiological interpretations. When urologists and clinicians have a sound knowledge of anatomical variations, it eases management, surgical interventions and helps to reduce complications. Advanced imaging technology is the boon for the patients requiring minimally invasive approaches for various kidney disorders. These approaches require precise knowledge of normal and variant anatomy of the kidneys, ureters and vascular structures at the hilum of the kidney. Therefore, the objective of this study was to furnish the clinicians with the major anatomical variations of urological system. Method: Ninety adult human cadavers were examined for number, shape and position of kidneys and the ureters over a period of 5 years. Out of these, 85 were males and 15 were female cadavers. Results: Kidneys were bilaterally present in all the cadavers. Hypoplastic kidneys were seen bilaterally in 3.3% cadavers. Out of 90 cadavers, 3 showed bilateral and 6 showed unilateral lobulated kidneys. 2 cadavers showed unilateral (1 L, 1 R) incomplete double ureter. One showed bilateral and 5 showed unilateral accessory renal artery amongst 90 cadavers. Ectopic kidney was seen in one cadaver. Conclusions: Morphological variations in the kidney are very common and are clinically important for urosurgeons.

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