Variations in the morphometry and pelvicalyceal pattern of kidneys: A cadaveric study

Background: The structural morphometry and pelvicalyceal patterns of kidneys are crucial for diagnosing renal diseases and planning endourological procedures. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to analyze variations in kidney dimensions, weight, and pelvicalyceal architecture in a South Indian population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional cadaveric study was conducted on 60 pairs of normal postmortem human kidneys (120 specimens). Gross morphometric parameters, including weight, length, width, and thickness, were measured using standard instruments. The specimens were then coronally sectioned to evaluate the structural arrangement of the pelvicalyceal system by counting the major and minor calyces. Results: The sample comprised 80 male and 40 female specimens with a mean age of 47.53 years. The overall mean renal length was 10.7±0.70 cm, width was 5.15±0.53 cm, thickness was 3.09±0.24 cm, and weight was 118±17.5 g. Renal dimensions and weight increased significantly, peaking in the 21–40 years age group, before exhibiting a progressive age-related decline. Male kidneys were significantly heavier than female kidneys (P≤0.001). The most prevalent pelvicalyceal configuration was the bicalyceal pattern (56.7%), followed by the tricalyceal (23.3%) and multicalyceal (16.7%) patterns. A rare variation entirely lacking major calyces was observed in 3.3% of the kidneys. Conclusion: Renal dimensions and weight undergo significant age-related involution after the fourth decade and display notable sexual dimorphism regarding weight. Understanding these baseline morphometric and pelvicalyceal variations is essential for clinical diagnostics and optimizing urological surgical planning.