Anatomical and Developmental Abnormalities of Kidney and Ureter: A Cadaveric Study from Karnataka, India

Introduction: Cadaveric studies of kidneys and ureters serve as the foundational bedrock for understanding human urological anatomy, providing irreplaceable insights into structural variations that directly impact clinical practice across surgery, radiology and medical education. These meticulous dissections reveal a landscape far more complex and variable than textbook illustrations suggest, with profound implications for patient safety and procedural success. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of anatomical and developmental abnormalities of kidneys and ureters in human cadavers. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective study was conducted during routine dissections of 34 cadavers over a period of five years from August 2019 to July 2024 at Department of Anatomy, The Oxford Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The study was planned and executed from December 2024 to November 2025. All specimens included in the present study were adult cadavers of which 20 were males and 14 were females. Photographs of the anomalous and developmental abnormalities were taken for proper documentation. Descriptive statistics were used to statistically analyse the data. Results: Out of 34 cadavers, 1 (2.94%) cadaver showed Hydronephrosis (HN) in left kidney, 1 (2.94%) cadaver showed partial duplication of right ureter, 5 (14.7%) cadavers showed lobulated kidneys and 6 (17.6%) cadavers showed cystic kidneys. Conclusion: Cystic kidney was the most common anomaly observed in the present study. Knowledge of anatomical variations is essential for urological, transplant and vascular surgeries. The identification of duplicate ureters and anomalies during cadaveric dissection provides surgeons with critical preoperative planning information.