A rare case of the intraperitoneal kidney

Abstract

Background: The kidney is covered with a renal fascia consisting of a fibrous capsule and a fatty capsule and is located extraperitoneally. The properties of this organ allow for mechanical protection, protecting against injury.

Materials and methods: We describe an anatomical variation observed during the dissection of the body of an 85-year-old man.

Results: The right kidney was located intraperitoneally, freely among the loops of the small intestine, and had normal vascularization. In addition, it measured 12.5 cm in length and 5.7 cm in width. The left kidney was significantly smaller, with no abnormalities.

Conclusions: According to the databases, this is the third case of intraperitoneal kidney described in the world. Such a localization variant should be considered because of the complications it brings to diagnostic imaging and surgical management.

Keywords: intraperitoneal; kidney; parietal peritoneum; variation.