ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS IN THE ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR DIVISIONS OF THE RENAL ARTERY: A CADAVERIC, CORROSION CAST, AND RADIOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of renal arterial segmentation is crucial for nephron-sparing surgeries, renal transplantation, and endourological interventions. Despite classical descriptions, variations in anterior and posterior divisions of the renal artery remain clinically significant.

Objective: To classify and document the variations in the anterior and posterior divisions of the renal artery in 60 adult human kidneys using dissection, corrosion cast, and radiological methods.

Methods: Sixty kidneys (40 cadaveric, 10 corrosion cast, 10 radiological) were studied. The branching pattern of the anterior and posterior divisions of the renal artery was examined. Variations were classified according to established systems (Graves, Kher, Verma) and quantified. Comparative analysis with existing literature was performed.

Results: Eight types of anterior division were identified. The most common was Type VII (20%), where anterior division terminated in combinations of segmental arteries. Type IV (16.6%) and Type III (13.3%) were also frequent. Type I (10%) and Type VIII (6.6%) were least common. Posterior division showed four types: Type II (bifurcation/trifurcation) was the most common (51.6%), followed by Type I (28.3%), Type III (16.6%), and Type IV (3.3%). The findings demonstrate significant anatomical variability compared with classical descriptions.

Conclusion: Variations in the anterior and posterior divisions of the renal artery are common and have direct implications for nephron-sparing surgery, renal transplantation, and interventional radiology. Preoperative imaging should aim to identify these patterns to minimize complications.