Morphometry of Adult Kidney and Arrangement of Structures at the Hilum: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Introduction

Renal dimensions and weight are important indicators of kidney function. This study aimed to assess renal dimensions, weight, lobulation, and variations in hilar pattern, and to compare these parameters between the right and left kidneys.

Methods     

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 124 pairs of morphologically normal kidneys obtained from adult cadavers of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus. Renal length, breadth, thickness, and weight were measured. Lobulation and antero-posterior arrangement of structures at the hilar structures were assessed.

Results

Among 124 cadavers, 82 were male, and 42 were female. The age ranged from 18 to 81 years, with a mean age of 38.06 years. The mean weight of kidney was 124.71±23.96 g in males and 110.63±24.33 g in females. The mean weight of the kidney was 116.65±24.46 g (right) and 123.25±26.72 g (left). The median length was 10.04 cm (right) and 10.43 cm (left). The median breadth was 5.56 cm (right) and 5.61 cm (left). The median thickness was 2.81 cm (right) and 3.05 cm (left). Lobulation was observed in 8% of right and 16% of left kidneys. The typical pattern of hilar arrangement was seen in 56.5 % of right kidneys and 49.2% of left kidneys.

Conclusions

The left kidney was greater than the right in length, breadth, thickness, and weight. Renal dimensions were higher in males. Lobulation and variations in hilar arrangement were more frequent on the left side.