Renal dimensions in Nepalese population: a preliminary study.

ABSTRACT

Kidney dimensions have been measured in various parts of the world ultrasonographically and morphometrically though never in Nepal. Prior knowledge of kidney dimensions in Nepalese population would be of immense help to ultrasonologists planning to scan kidney. Forty normal-appearing formalin-preserved adult kidneys of unknown age and sex were measured using a sliding caliper for maximum length, width and thickness. Weight of kidney was measured by a "micro" weighing balance. Student's t test was applied for statistical significance. Right kidney was 85.25 +/- 10.7mm. long, 50.65 +/- 5.8mm. wide and 34.6 +/- 5.1 mm. thick. Left kidney was 91.65 +/- 9.2mm. long, 53.65 +/- 5.2mm. wide and 38.5 +/- 4.1 mm. thick. Weight of right kidney was 84.16 +/- 28.4 gm. and left kidney was 111.1 +/- 28.9 gm. Kidneys of Nepalese population were shorter and lighter than people living in other parts of the world. Difference between length, thickness and weight of left and right kidney was statistically significant but difference in width was not. Variation from other population is racial. Difference in left and right kidney dimensions is reported in various earlier literatures; therefore, Nepalese population is no exception.