[The kidney collecting system in man: systematization and morphometry based on 100 polyester resin casts]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Anatomy
• Urology

Context:

• Understanding the anatomical variations of the human kidney's collecting system is crucial for diagnosing and treating renal diseases.
• Polyester casts provide a detailed method for studying renal morphology and drainage pathways.

Purpose:

• To classify human renal cavities based on the drainage patterns of the great calices.
• To investigate the relationship between the number of small calices and the number of great calices, as well as morphometrical renal data.

Summary:

• The study analyzed 100 polyester casts of human renal cavities, identifying four distinct morphological types (AI, AII, BI, BII) based on the drainage of superior, middle, and inferior great calices.
• Types AI and AII exhibited two great calices, while types BI and BII featured independent middle drainage.
• No statistically significant correlation was found between the number of small calices and the number of great calices or other morphometrical renal data.
• The study also described the inter-pelvis-calices space (IPC) in type AII and the pelvis perpendicular small calice.

Impact:

• Provides a detailed morphological classification of renal collecting systems, aiding in anatomical understanding.
• Highlights the lack of correlation between small and great calyx numbers, simplifying diagnostic considerations.
• Offers insights into renal cavity variations relevant for surgical planning and interventional procedures.