A histopathological observation made on cystic kidneys obtained from human cadavers

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cysts in the kidneys have been described as being heterogeneous, and occur due to hereditary,developmental and acquired disorders. They account for 6-8% of diseases that go for dialysis. Evaluating cysticdiseases is important for pathological diagnosis and treatment procedures for the patient.Objective: Present study aimed at finding the types of cysts prevalent in human cadaveric kidneys by making ahistopathological observation. The study was made to review the incidence of cysts in kidneys and to find outwhat are the commonest types of cysts that are identified.Material and Methods: Thirty formalin fixed adult cadavers were used for the study. Twenty were male and tenwere female cadavers used for routine dissection and teaching purposes for the first year medical students in thedepartment of Anatomy, P.E.S Institute of Medical Sciences and Research. The kidneys were dissected out from thecadavers from both sides. The fat and fascia were removed carefully and first photographed for gross appearance,before handing the specimens to the department of pathology for further study by making sections.Results: Cystic kidneys were seen in seven cadavers out of the thirty cadavers. The other cadavers had no cystickidneys. The incidence of cysts has been calculated in this study as 23.3%. The normal kidneys were 76.6%. Inthree female cadavers unilateral cysts were seen in the right kidney. In male cadavers, one had unilateral cystand the remaining three presented with bilateral cystic kidneys. One among the four showed multiple bilateralcysts ranging from one to forty five cysts.Conclusion: From this study it is evident that cysts of the kidney may occur without disturbing the normalfunctioning of the kidneys. The incidence of multiple cysts was more in males than in females. No of cysts weremore in the right than in the left kidneys. For a person to lead a normal life one fifth of the kidney is sufficient ifit functions normally.