The pig kidney as an endourologic model: anatomic contribution

Area of Science:

• Comparative anatomy
• Urology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Understanding renal anatomy is crucial for urologic procedures.
• Pigs are increasingly used as models for human renal research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the collecting system anatomy and renal morphometry in pigs.
• To compare these findings with human renal anatomy.
• To assess the suitability of the pig kidney as an animal model for endourologic research.

Main Methods:

• Three-dimensional polyester resin corrosion endocasts of the pelviocaliceal system from 100 pig kidneys.
• Morphometric analysis of 80 kidneys, measuring length, width, thickness, and weight.
• Classification of the pig collecting system into two main groups (A and B) with subtypes for Group B.

Main Results:

• The pig collecting system was classified into Group A (40%) and Group B (60%), with subtypes B-I and B-II.
• Angles between the caudal infundibulum and renal pelvis in pigs were consistently <90 degrees.
• Pig kidney morphometry: length 11.8 cm, cranial width 5.64 cm, caudal width 5.35 cm, thickness 2.76 cm, weight 98 g.
• Differences in collecting system classification and infundibulopelvic angles were noted compared to humans.
• Most pig kidney morphometric measurements were smaller than human counterparts, except for length.

Conclusions:

• Despite anatomical differences, the pig kidney is a suitable animal model for endourologic research and training.
• The distinct collecting system patterns in pigs warrant consideration in comparative anatomical studies.
• Further research can leverage the pig model for advancing endourologic techniques.