A rare case of an intraperitoneal kidney.

BACKGROUND

The kidney is located extraperitoneally and is covered by renal fascia, consisting of a fibrous capsule and a fatty capsule. These structures provide mechanical protection against injury.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We describe an anatomical variation observed during 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. 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 database searches, this is the third case of an intraperitoneal kidney reported worldwide. This location variant should be considered because of the complications it may cause in diagnostic imaging and surgical management.