Anatomical study of renal vein in cadavers by dissection method

The renal veins present a broad spectrum of variability in their length, tributaries. Such aspects are important when considering a surgical approach, trauma, interpreting diagnostic images and teaching renal veins. Although imaging techniques have good resolution, they have failed to reduce the incidence of complications of renal surgery. Objectives of the study are to measure length of renal vein and to study the variations in renal vasculature.: The dissection was carried out in 75 cadavers which were embalmed using formalin. Length of the renal vein was measured using Vernier caliper. Values were reported as in percentage, mean and standard deviation. 66.7% specimens didn’t have extrahilar primary tributaries. We found additional renal veins were less on left side i.e. 3 than on right side 10. One specimen of retro aortic left renal vein was found. This knowledge will be of immense help to radiologists and oncologists who are dealing with this region. Also a detailed knowledge and understanding of major congenital anomalies of the renal veins variations will provides safety guidelines for endovascular procedures.