Intrarenal access: effects on renal function and morphology.

This study describes the effect of the 4 most commonly used methods of intrarenal access on renal function and morphology in the dog at 48 h. The extended sinus approach was associated with no functional or parenchymal loss; the radial paravascular approach was followed by a 20% decrease in function and no significant parenchymal loss; the anatrophic intersegmental nephrotomy caused a 30% functional decrease with a significant parenchymal loss; the bivalve nephrotomy was associated with a 50% loss of function and considerable parenchymal loss and distortion.