Renal Biopsy

A renal biopsy, also known as a kidney biopsy, is a medical procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed from the kidney for examination under a microscope.

Indications

The primary indications for a renal biopsy include:

• Diagnosis of kidney disease, such as glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome
• Evaluation of kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury
• Monitoring of kidney transplant recipients for signs of rejection
• Investigation of hematuria (blood in the urine) or proteinuria (excess protein in the urine)

Preparation

Before undergoing a renal biopsy, patients typically undergo:

• Blood tests to assess blood clotting and kidney function
• Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or CT scans, to locate the kidneys and guide the biopsy needle
• Medication review to ensure that any medications that may increase bleeding risk are discontinued or adjusted

Procedure

The renal biopsy procedure typically involves:

• Administration of local anesthesia to numb the skin and muscle at the biopsy site
• Insertion of a biopsy needle into the kidney under imaging guidance
• Collection of one or more tissue samples from the kidney
• Application of pressure to the biopsy site to minimize bleeding

Types of Renal Biopsy

There are two main types of renal biopsy:

• Percutaneous renal biopsy: This is the most common type, where a needle is inserted through the skin and into the kidney.
• Open renal biopsy: This involves making an incision in the skin to access the kidney and collect tissue samples.

Risks and Complications

Possible risks and complications of a renal biopsy include:

• Bleeding or hemorrhage at the biopsy site
• Infection
• Damage to surrounding organs, such as the bowel or liver
• Avascular necrosis (death of tissue due to lack of blood supply)

Aftercare and Follow-up

After a renal biopsy, patients typically:

• Rest for several hours to minimize bleeding risk
• Are monitored for signs of complications, such as bleeding or infection
• Undergo follow-up imaging studies to ensure the biopsy site is healing properly
• Receive results and interpretation of the biopsy findings from a pathologist