The renal hilum is the vertical slit on the medial border of each kidney where the renal vein, artery and pelvis enter and leave. It opens into a space inside the kidney called the renal sinus.
| Location | Medial border of the kidney, at about L1 level (left slightly higher than right) |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Renal plexus |
| Blood Supply | Renal artery |
| Venous drainage | |
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Gateway for the vessels, nerves and urine-collecting system of the kidney.
The order front to back (vein, artery, pelvis) guides surgeons during nephrectomy and transplant. Stones in the renal pelvis and tumours at the hilum affect what surgery is possible, and the hilum lies at the transpyloric plane, a useful surface landmark.
Tearing of the hilar vessels in deceleration trauma, causing serious bleeding.
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