Variations in course and branching pattern of posterior segmental artery and its relation with collecting system

Abstract

Abstract Aims: To study the course and branching pattern of posterior segmental artery and its relation with collecting system. Method: We studied 50 human Kidneys by corrosion cast method. Kidneys were obtained from postmortem bodies. Colour coded cast material with 20% strength, solution of butyl butyrate in acetone was injected into renal artery and ureter. Injected Kidneys were immersed in concentrated KOH solution for complete maceration of soft tissue of Kidneys. Results: We observed three different variations in course and branching pattern of posterior segmental artery and in the present study these variations have been divided into three groups namely PSAG1, PSAG2 and PSAG3 which have been observed in 25(50%), 12(24%) and 13(26%) Kidneys respectively. We also noted three types of relation between posterior segmental artery and collecting system namely PSAT1, PSAT2 and PSAT3 which we observed in 22(44%), 16(32%) and 12(24%) Kidneys respectively in present study. Conclusion: Findings of present study are important to know before performing interventional radiological procedures, intrarenal operations and renal trauma management to avoid urological complications.