Renal Arterial and Venous System Variations in 1,073 Kidney Donors in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: Renal vasculature variations are seen in both arterial and venous systems, In Turkey, 80% of kidney transplantations are performed by living donors. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the incidence and morphologic variations of renal vessels in a group of Turkish kidney donors. Methods: The computed tomography angiography of 1,073 kidney donors were retrospectively evaluated for vascular variations, such as multiple renal arteries (MRA), polar or accessory renal arteries (ARA), early division of renal artery, multiple renal veins (MRV), retro-aortic renal vein (RARV), and inferior vena cava duplication. Results: One vascular variation in the renal vascular system was found in 637 of 1,073 (59.4%) kidney donors. The MRA was observed in 380 (35.4%) donors. The ARA were reported in 180 (16,8%) and 227 (20.2%) donors, respectively. Renal arteries were divided earlier than expected in 230 (21.4%) donors. The MRV and RARVS were seen in 205 (19.1%) and 77 (7.2%) patients, respectively. Only 2 cases of inferior vena cava duplication were determined. Conclusion: Renal arterial and venous system variations are very common, and detailed preoperative evaluation provides an opportunity to choose the best surgical modality and minimize intra- and post-operative complications.