Renal vascular and ureteral variations in patients with kidney transplantation

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the renal vascular and ureteral variations in patients subjected to kidney transplantation. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2021. A total of 233 donors who underwent cadaveric harvesting were included in the study. By using the operation records, the numbers of the participants’ right and left renal arteries, right and left renal veins and right and left ureters were evaluated. Results: The mean age of participants was 54.41±17.76 years, and 58.8% were males. Multiple renal vessels were detected in 77 (33%) donors, and ureter duplication was detected in 3 (1.2%) donors. No significant difference was observed between the right and left kidneys and between sexes regarding the incidence of supernumerary renal vessels and ureters. There was a substantial relationship between the supernumerary renal artery and vein count on the right side (p=0.024 when dichotomized for artery count, p=0.004 when dichotomized for vein count). Conclusion: Anatomical differences in vascular structures and ureters may create risks that will affect the outcome of kidney surgeries and transplants. During kidney transplantation, interventional radiological procedures or other retroperitoneal surgeries, surgeons and radiologists are advised to remember that supernumerary renal arteries and veins are likely to be concurrent, especially on the right side.

Keywords

• kidney surgery
• supernumerary renal vessels
• transplantation
• ureter duplication

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