Cranial pole nephrectomy in the pig model: anatomic analysis of arterial injuries in tridimensional endocasts.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the intrarenal arteries injuries after cranial pole nephrectomy in a pig model to compare these findings with those in humans.


METHODS
Polyester resin was injected through the ureter and the renal artery to make three-dimensional casts of 61 pig kidneys. The cranial pole of the kidneys was sectioned at four different sites before the solidification of the resin, and the casts were examined for arterial damage.


RESULTS
Section performed through the hilus (15 kidneys): The cranial division of the renal artery was sectioned in two (13.33%) cases, the ventral branch of the cranial division of the renal artery was sectioned in 13 (86.7%) cases, and the dorsal branch of the cranial division of the renal artery was sectioned in 11 (73.34%) cases. Section at 0.5 cm cranial to the hilus (16 kidneys): The cranial division of the renal artery was sectioned in 1 (6.25%) case, the ventral branch of the cranial division of the renal artery was sectioned in 14 (87.5%) cases, and the dorsal branch of the cranial division of the renal artery was sectioned in 13 (81.25%) cases. Section at 1.0 cm cranial to the hilus (15 kidneys): The ventral branch of the cranial division of the renal artery was sectioned in five (33.33%) cases, and the dorsal branch of the cranial division of the renal artery was injured in five (33.33%) cases. Section at 1.5 cm cranial to the hilus (15 kidneys): No lesions were found in the main arteries, only in the interlobular branches.


CONCLUSIONS
As previously demonstrated in humans, sections at 1.0 cm or more cranially to the hilus in pigs also showed a significant decrease in damage to the major intrarenal arteries. Therefore, as regards arterial damage, the pig kidney is a useful model for partial nephrectomy in the cranial (upper) pole.
Urogenital Research Unit, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. sampaio@vm.uff.br
Marco A
MA
Pereira-Sampaio
Robert W
RW
Henry
Luciano A
LA
Favorito
Francisco J B
FJ
Sampaio
D000818:Animals; D016319:Corrosion Casting / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D023421:Models, Animal; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012077:Renal Artery / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology*; D034421:Sus scrofa / Q000601:surgery*; D057772:Vascular System Injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery