Background: A better understanding of the anatomy of the renal vein and its relationship with the arterial and excretory systems can prevent intra operative complications.
Methods: Three-dimensional endocasts of intrarenal vessels and renal collecting systems were obtained from fresh cadavers, by injecting a polyester resin coloured with different pigments. A total of 71 endocasts were studied: 37 right kidneys and 34 left kidneys.
Results: Renal vein was unique in 88% of cases and double in 11% of cases. It was formed in 52% of cases by 3 trunks. Intrarenal veins anastomosed together to form 2 levels of arcades in 28% of cases and 3 levels in 71% of cases. The venous drainage of the upper pole was provided by two anterior and posterior plexus in 38% of cases, and by a single anterior plexus in 61% of cases. In 22% of cases, the venous drainage of the lower pole was provided by both an anterior and a posterior plexus, and in 77% of cases, there was only an anterior plexus. Renal artery was posterior to the vein in 66% of cases. It was anterior to the vein in 29% of cases, and located directly above it in 4% of cases. In 60% of cases, we noted a close relationship between the anterior surface of the ureteropelvic junction and the lower branch of the renal vein.
Conclusion: Venous vascularisation of the kidney appears to be variable and its relationship with the arterial and the excretory systems may be complex.