Anatomical Variations of Renal Artery in Nepalese Live Kidney Donors

Abstract

Introduction: Donor nephrectomy is unique surgery to predispose the surgeon on stress as healthy donors have major surgery purely for others’ benefit. Renal vessels are known with the wide range of variations which can lead to major complications or life threatening events if unrecognized. A thorough knowledge of anatomic variations in renal artery facilitates surgeons to anticipate and manage these potential risks and prevent the complications. Here we present anatomical variations in RA in Nepalese live kidney donors.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Live kidney donors over a period of 17 months (From June 2013 to October 2014) presenting for donation were evaluated for renal vasculature with 64- slice multidetector computed tomography and the findings were correlated with intraoperative findings during donor nephrectomy.

Results: Sixty three donors were enrolled in the study. Male & female ratio was 1:2.1. Age ranged from 18 years to 64 years (Mean 44.58 years).Anomalous RA was seen in 25 cases (39.7%). Fifty six percentages of anomalies were seen in female and 44% in male. Majority of anomalies were on left side (22.2%). The most common anomaly was supernumerary RA seen in 16 cases (25.5%) Accessory RA was seen in 11 cases (17.5%). Prehilar bifurcation was seen in 11 cases (17.5%). Aberrant RA was seen in 5 cases (8%). Preoperative CT angiographic findings correlated with intraoperative findings in all cases (r = 1, p = 0). Polar branch was transected accidentally in two cases which were repaired at bench surgery.

Conclusion: Anatomical variations of renal artery in Nepalese donors are comparable with other populations. Thorough knowledge of the variations can minimize complications and improve outcome during nephrectomy.