ACCIDENTAL INJURIES TO THE DESCENDING PORTION OF THE DUODENUM DURING REMOVAL OF THE RIGHT KIDNEY

Abstract

The anatomic relations of the retroperitoneal portion of the duodenum are such that this organ may be injured during operations for the removal of the right kidney. Such injury, however, can only occur if there be infiltration about the pedicle which has caused close adhesion to the duodenum. The duodenum in its descending course overlies the pedicle of the right kidney and a considerable portion of the lower half of that organ on the inner side (Fig. 1). As this portion of the duodenum is retroperitoneal and more or less fixed in position one can readily understand how the accident might occur under such circumstances. The exact relationship of the duodenum to the right kidney depends on the mobility of the latter organ which lies somewhat lower than the left kidney and is more or less movable normally. The extent of this mobility depends on a number of factors. As