Incidence of accessory polar renal artery: a brief systematic review

The kidneys are essential organs for controlling the concentrations of various substances in the body fluids. They excrete the final products of metabolic activities and excess water, promoting an electrolyte balance. They also have endocrine functions. Renal vascularization occurs through branches from the abdominal aorta artery, the renal arteries being the main and accessory, and these may have anatomical variations. The present work aims to perform a literature review on the incidence of accessory polar arteries, through data collected in articles and anatomy books. This work deals with a review of the literature, using as reference for research the Scielo databases and anatomy books. Where were found a total of 6 articles in Scielo. It was found that about 30% of the population may present anatomical variation regarding renal vascularization. It is concluded that in the surgical procedures, it is of great importance the knowledge of the anatomical variations through imaging examinations, being able to interfere in the planning of the technique to be applied.