Variations of Middle Segmental Artery of Human Kidney and Clinical Significance

Abstract

To assess the arterial pattern of middle segmental artery and its relation with collecting system in the human kidneys. Materials and Methods: We studied 50 fresh human Kidneys by corrosion cast techniques. We used different colour coded moulding granules of butyl butyrate, red for artery, blue for vein and black for collecting system of the human kidneys. 20% solution of butyl butyrate in acetone was injected into renal vessels and ureter of each kidney. Injected kidneys were kept immersed in concentrated Potassium Hydroxide solution for corrosion to obtain the endocasts. These endocasts were cleaned under the running tap water and observed macroscopically. Results: We observed three types of variations in arterial pattern of middle segmental artery namely Middle Segmental Artery Type-1 (MSAT1), Middle Segmental Artery Type-2 (MSAT2), Middle Segmental Artery Type-3 (MSAT3) and they were seen in 29(58%), 14(28%), 6(12%) kidneys respectively. We also observed three different variations in relation between middle segmental artery and collecting system namely Middle Segmental Artery Group-1 (MSAG1), Middle Segmental Artery Group-2 (MSAG2), Middle Segmental Artery Group-3 (MSAG3) and they were seen in 32%, 24%, 42% kidneys respectively. Conclusion: Anatomical knowledge of these variations is of valuable contribution for uro-surgeon in performing more and more conservative renal surgeries which lead to preservation of healthy and functional renal parenchyma and prevent intraoperative and post-operative complications.