MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATIONS OF INTRARENAL ARTERIAL SEGMENTATION: A THREE-METHOD COMPARATIVE STUDY (DISSECTION, CAST & RADIOLOGY).
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Keywords
Intrarenal arterial segmentation, renal arterial variations, corrosion cast, anatomical dissection, radiological angiography, segmental arteries, renal vascular anatomy.
Abstract
Understanding intrarenal arterial segmentation is fundamental for safe urological procedures, including PCNL, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, renal transplantation, and endopyelotomy. Although classical descriptions of renal segments exist, the accuracy of different anatomical techniques in detecting arterial variations has not been sufficiently compared. An expanded sample size enhances reliability and applicability of renal arterial mapping.Objective:To investigate morphological variations in intrarenal arterial segmentation and to compare the resolving capabilities of three anatomical methods—cadaveric dissection, corrosion cast technique, and radiological contrast angiography—using a total of 80 kidneys.Methods:Eighty adult human kidneys were examined, 54 by dissection, 13 by corrosion casting, and 13 by radiological contrast studies. The origins, course, branching pattern, and distribution of anterior and posterior segmental arteries, as well as accessory and subsegmental branches, were documented. The performance of each method in revealing segmental anatomy was compared descriptively.Results:Corrosion cast specimens demonstrated the highest clarity of microvascular segmentation, revealing 14–18% more detectable subsegmental branches than dissection and over 20% more than radiological imaging. Dissection offered superior visualization of extra hilar branching and early segmental divisions, while radiological contrast studies reliably identified only major segmental arteries. Morphological variation was observed across all segmental groups, including 8 types of anterior division patterns and multiple apical, upper, middle, and lower segmental variants. Accessory renal arteries were documented in a subset of specimens across all three methods.Conclusion:This three-method comparative study provides a comprehensive and high-fidelity understanding of morphological variations in intrarenal arterial segmentation. Corrosion casting remains the gold standard for detailed microvascular mapping, while dissection provides practical value for identifying early branching relevant in surgical approaches. Radiology continues to serve as the clinically feasible technique for preoperative evaluation of major arterial segments.
The findings underscore the importance of multimodal anatomical assessment for safer renal interventions.
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Dr Anant Kumar
Assistant Professor, Anatomy, G S Medical College & Hospital, Hapur
Dr Sonali Kataria
Assistant Professor, Anatomy, G S Medical College & Hospital, Hapur
Dr Nisha Kaul
Professor & EX-HOD ,RAMA MEDICAL COLLEGE & HOSPITAL,HAPUR
