A STUDY OF RENAL CALYCES BY USING BARIUM CONTRAST

Objectives: To know the pelvicalyceal anatomy by radiological method that helps in localizing the calculi or tumors in kidneys. Materials and method: The study was conducted in Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Tamaka, Kolar from 2011 to 2013. Forty four adult, formalin embalmed cadaveric kidneys (20 right and 24 left) were injected with 8 to 10 ml of 10% radio opaque barium sulphate solution into the renal pelvis and calyces and radiographs were taken in anteroposterior view. Results: The observations were statistically analyzed. There were 14 extra renal pelves and 30 intra renal pelves. The major calyces were classified into three categories [Double (D), Three (T) and Multiple (M) divisions]. Out of 44 kidneys 20 were right and 24 left.. 23 kidneys presented multiple (more than 4) calyces, 12 had two major calyces and only 9 presented with three major calyces). Typical ‘Y’ arrangement in 03 out of 12 and typical multiple in 03 out of 23 kidneys. There were 14 kidneys (31.8%) presented with extra renal pelvis whereas 30 kidneys (68.2%) presented intrarenal formation of the renal pelvis. Conclusion: Due to the variation in the number of major and minor calyces, position of renal pelvis (intrarenal and extra renal), the knowledge of pelvicalyceal anatomy will help the urologist and nephrologists to pin point the position of renal calyceal calculi or malignant growth for the surgery to be carried out.