Abstract

Aims and Objective: In 70% of normal population, each kidney is applied by a single renal artery. Renal arteries are known to present with wide range of anatomic variations. These variations are frequently related to the number of renal arteries, level of origin, length, diameter and branching pattern. Renal transplantation is the only curative option for end stage renal disease. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy has become the preferred technique in renal transplant programs. The transplant surgeon requires at least 2 cm of renal artery length before hilar branching and diameter of 3 mm to ensure adequate vascular anastomosis. Therefore, a prior knowledge of number of renal arteries, the length and diameter of renal artery and branching pattern has become essential for renal transplant surgeons. Material and Methods: One hundred prospective healthy voluntary kidney donors (16 males and 84 females; mean age of 43.5±10.42 years), were evaluated for the renal artery anatomy by MDCT and CT angiography as part of preoperative assessment prior to donor nephrectomy. The number, level of origin, the diameter and length of renal artery on either side was recorded. Results: Single renal artery was present in 75.5% kidneys. The right MRA originated from aorta at the level of L1 vertebra in 78% cases and left MRA originated from aorta at lower level( L2 vertebra) in 47% of cases.The mean length of left and right renal artery was 26.2±10.6 mm and 29.6±12.8 mm respectively; mean diameter was 5.8±1.2 mm and 5.2±1.0 mm respectively. The difference between length and diameter of both sides was statistically significant. The mean diameter of left MRA was 5.8±1.2 mm and right MRA 5.2±1.0 mm and difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). Both in males and females the mean diameter of left MRA was more than that of right MRA. Conclusion: In the present study it was observed that single renal artery was present in 75.5% kidneys. The right MRA originated from aorta at a higher level compared to left MRA. The left renal artery was shorter and wider than right renal artery. In 22.5% cases the length of renal artery was less than 2.0 cm.

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