Anatomical variations of renal arteries in adult cadavers in Andhra Pradesh: A multicentric cross-sectional cadaveric study.

Pratyusha  Challa; Ranzeetha  D; Venkata Pavana Kumari  Komarolu; Lakkireddy  Vasanthi

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1800

Authors

Dr. Pratyusha Challa Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy , Government Medical College, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr. Ranzeetha D Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Guntur Medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr. Venkata Pavana Kumari Komarolu Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy , Government Medical College, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr Lakkireddy Vasanthi Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1800

Keywords:

Renal artery, anatomical variation, accessory renal artery, cadaveric study, superior mesenteric artery, polar artery

Abstract

Background
Anatomical variations in renal artery morphology hold crucial significance in surgical, urological, and radiological procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of these variations enhances the success of renal transplantation, angiography, and retroperitoneal surgeries.

Objectives

To investigate and document the prevalence and patterns of anatomical variations in renal arteries, including origin, number, branching patterns, and morphometry, in adult cadavers across multiple centers.

Methods

This multicentric observational study was conducted on 60 adult cadavers during routine anatomical dissection in medical institutions. Detailed dissection of the abdominal region was performed to trace the renal arteries from their origin at the abdominal aorta to their termination at the renal hilum. Parameters such as the number, origin (related to the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries), branching pattern, presence of accessory and polar arteries, and arterial dimensions were recorded.

Results

Renal artery variations were observed in 16 cadavers (26.7%). Bilateral variations were seen in 6 cadavers and unilateral variations in 10, predominantly on the right side (n=8). Accessory renal arteries were present in 13 cadavers. Early division of renal arteries occurred in 3 cases, all within 1 cm of the superior mesenteric artery. Pre-segmental and pre-hilar branching patterns were observed in 3 and 11 arteries, respectively. Polar arteries were found in 8 cases. The length and breadth of renal arteries ranged from 1.0–9.0 cm and 0.2–0.9 cm, respectively.

Conclusion

This study revealed a 26.7% prevalence of renal artery anatomical variations, with a predominance of unilateral right-sided anomalies. Understanding these variations is essential for minimizing intraoperative complications and optimizing outcomes in renal surgical and interventional procedures.

Recommendations

Preoperative imaging to identify renal artery variations is essential for planning renal surgeries, transplantations, and interventions, minimizing intraoperative risks, and improving surgical outcomes and vascular access success rates.

Author Biographies

Dr. Pratyusha Challa, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy , Government Medical College, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Pratyusha Challa is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy at Government Medical College, Ongole. She completed her MBBS and MD in Anatomy from Guntur Medical College, Guntur. With over Eleven years of teaching experience, she has been actively involved in educating undergraduate medical students and mentoring academic growth. Dr. Challa has published eight research papers in reputed anatomical journals, contributing to the advancement of anatomical science. Her ORCID ID is: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8198-6419

Dr. Ranzeetha D, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Guntur Medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Ranzeetha D. is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy at Guntur Medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. She completed her MBBS from Katuri Medical College, Chinakakani, and earned her MD in Anatomy from Guntur Medical College, Guntur. With over 12 years of teaching experience, Dr. Ranzeetha has guided several undergraduate students, including those undertaking Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-funded projects. She has authored five research papers in reputed journals, with a focus on anatomical science and public health. Her ORCID ID is: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7994-0529

Dr. Venkata Pavana Kumari Komarolu, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy , Government Medical College, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Venkata Pavana Kumari Komarolu is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy at Government Medical College, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh. She earned both her MBBS and MD in Anatomy from Guntur Medical College, Guntur, and further enhanced her medical education by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine from the prestigious Christian Medical College, Vellore. With over 13 years of teaching experience, Dr. Komarolu has mentored numerous undergraduate students, including those undertaking Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-funded projects. She has published six research papers in reputed journals, with a focus on anatomical sciences and public health. Her ORCID ID is: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9505-481X

Dr Lakkireddy Vasanthi, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Lakkireddy Vasanthi is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy at Government Medical College, Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. She completed her MBBS from MNR Medical College, Sangareddy, Telangana, and pursued her MD in Anatomy from the prestigious Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana. With over 11 years of teaching experience, Dr. Vasanthi has played an active role in academic and research mentorship, guiding several undergraduate students. Her research contributions span the fields of anatomy and public health, with seven publications in indexed journals, including one in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science, a PubMed-indexed journal. Her ORCID ID is: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3587-4345

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