ABSTRACT

Aim

This study was undertaken to compare the morphological differences between individuals with one functioning kidney and individuals with two functioning kidneys through the measurement of dimensions and stereological renal volume estimations.

Materials and Methods

The target sample consisted of patients who underwent an abdominal CT examination after attending Namık Kemal University’s Clinical Research and Application Center seeking medical attention. The volumetric estimations of CT images were based on the Cavalieri Principle.

Results

Of the overall study population, 22 had one healthy kidney and 30 had two healthy kidneys. Average renal dimensions were volume 159 cm3, length 10.7 cm, width 6.6 cm, and thickness 5 cm among anatomically normal individuals. The corresponding figures in the sole-functioning kidney group were volume 274 cm3, length 12 cm, width 7 cm, and thickness 6 cm.

Conclusion

Sole-functioning kidneys were longer, thicker, wider, and more voluminous compared with normal kidneys. We believe that the morphological differences between solitary and normal kidneys observed in this study in terms of dimensions and volume may represent a contribution to the existing literature that may assist in accurate volume and dimension estimations for clinical diagnosis and treatment of renal conditions.