Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
03:57
Transmesenteric Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Trendelenburg Position for Horseshoe Kidney with Hydronephrosis
Published on: July 8, 2025
Morphometric study of a horseshoe kidney.
Hale Oktem1, Rabet Gozil, Engin Calguner
1Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Gazi, Ankara, Turkey.
Summary
This case study details a horseshoe kidney, a congenital fusion anomaly of the upper urinary tract. Understanding such anatomical variations is crucial for surgical planning and patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Urology
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Horseshoe kidney is a common congenital anomaly of the upper urinary tract.
- This anomaly results from the fusion of the kidneys during embryonic development.
Observation:
- A horseshoe kidney was identified in a 62-year-old cadaver.
- The kidneys were fused at the lower poles by a parenchymal isthmus.
- The isthmus was located ventral to the abdominal aorta, forming a U-shape.
Findings:
- The left kidney was larger than the right.
- Renal arteries: Three arteries originated from the abdominal aorta, supplying the kidneys and isthmus.
- Venous drainage: Three veins drained independently into the inferior vena cava.
- The right ureter exhibited duplication at its origin.
Implications:
- Accurate anatomical knowledge of horseshoe kidney variations is essential for surgeons.
- Awareness of this anomaly can prevent intraoperative complications.
- This case highlights the importance of detailed pre-operative assessment in urological procedures.
Related Concept Videos
01:21External Anatomy of the Kidney
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs in the human body that play a critical role in maintaining overall health. They filter out waste products from the blood, regulate blood pressure, maintain electrolyte balance, and stimulate the production of red blood cells.
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...
01:45Kidney Structure
The kidneys are two large bean-shaped organs located in the upper abdomen. They filter the blood several times a day to remove toxins and rebalance water and electrolytes of the circulatory system via the renal veins. The kidneys receive blood directly from the heart via the renal arteries. These arteries enter the kidney at the hilum, the concave surface of the bean, where they branch and divide into smaller vessels and capillaries.
01:12Internal Anatomy of the Kidney
The kidneys are essential organs in the human body, performing a myriad of tasks that maintain homeostasis and overall health.
Anatomical Position and Dimensions
The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs positioned against the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the spine, roughly between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Each kidney is typically 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, and 3-4 cm thick, weighing about 150 grams.
Renal Cortex
The outermost region of the kidney is the...
Anatomical Position and Dimensions
The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs positioned against the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the spine, roughly between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Each kidney is typically 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, and 3-4 cm thick, weighing about 150 grams.
Renal Cortex
The outermost region of the kidney is the...
01:28Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) StudiesKidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) studies are standard diagnostic imaging procedures used to assess the anatomy of the urinary system. They are commonly utilized for patients experiencing abdominal pain or urinary symptoms. By using a simple X-ray of the abdomen, KUB studies can reveal structural and pathological abnormalities within the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These studies are particularly valuable in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary...
01:20Renal Corpuscle
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
01:11Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters
The upper urinary system comprises two kidneys and two ureters, which are crucial in filtering blood and forming urine.KidneysLocation and Structure:The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs positioned behind the peritoneum on either side of the spine.Kidneys are between the 12th thoracic (T12) and the 3rd lumbar (L3) vertebrae.The position of the liver causes the right kidney to sit slightly lower than the left.Protective Layers:Each kidney is enveloped in a tough, fibrous membrane called the...