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Treatments

Kidney Biopsy

A kidney biopsy is a medical procedure where a small piece of kidney tissue is removed to help diagnose or monitor kidney conditions. It helps doctors find the cause of symptoms like blood in the urine, protein loss, or unexplained kidney dysfunction1 2

Why Is a Kidney Biopsy Done?

Your doctor may recommend a kidney biopsy if you have:

  • Persistent blood or protein in urine (not explained by other tests)1 2
  • Unexplained kidney failure (acute or chronic) 3 4
  • Suspected kidney disease (such as glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome).
  • Issues with a transplanted kidney (to check for rejection or damage).
  • Suspected tumours or cysts detected on imaging.

Types of Kidney Biopsy 1 2 4:

Percutaneous Biopsy (Most Common):

A thin needle is inserted through the skin under ultrasound or CT guidance to collect tissue. Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area.

Open Biopsy (Surgical):

Used for high-risk patients or complex cases. A small incision is made to access the kidney directly.

Preparation Before the Procedurea 1 2 3:

  • 1. Medication Adjustments: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) about one week before.
  • 2. Tests: Blood tests (to check clotting) and urine tests (to rule out infection) are done before the procedure.
  • 3. Fasting: Avoid food for 6โ€“8 hours before the procedure.

What Happens During the Procedurea 1 2 3 4:?

  • Youโ€™ll lie on your stomach (or back for transplanted kidneys).
  • Ultrasound locates the kidney, and a local anesthetic numbs the skin.
  • A needle is inserted to collect 2โ€“3 tissue samples; you may feel slight pressure.
  • The entire process takes about 30โ€“60 minutes.

Recovery and Aftercare5 :

Immediate Care:

Rest flat for 4โ€“6 hours to prevent bleeding. Vital signs are monitored.

Activity Restrictions

Avoid heavy lifting, exercise, and driving for 5โ€“7 days.

Watch for Complications

Blood in urine (common but usually resolves in 24 hours), severe pain, dizziness, or fever (seek medical help immediately).

Risks and Complications5:

  • Bleeding : Occurs in 1โ€“5% of cases; rarely requires blood transfusions or surgery.
  • Infection : Rare but treated with antibiotics if it occurs.
  • Pain : Mild discomfort at the biopsy site, usually managed with painkillers.

Understanding Results 6:

Preliminary results are available in 2โ€“3 days. Full results (including microscopic analysis) take 1โ€“2 weeks.

Your doctor will explain findings and recommend treatment (such as medications or lifestyle changes).

What Happens During the Procedure 7?

  • 1. Positioning: Youโ€™ll lie on your stomach or side.
  • 2. Local Anesthesia: The skin and tissue near the kidney are numbed.
  • 3. Guided Needle Insertion: Using ultrasound or CT imaging, a thin needle is inserted through the skin to collect a tiny kidney sample.
  • 4. Pressure Bandage: Applied to prevent bleeding.
    • The procedure takes 30โ€“60 minutes.

References

  1. 1. National Kidney Foundation. Kidney biopsy [Internet]. New York: National Kidney Foundation; 2025 [cited 2025 May 28].
  2. 2. Giorgi A. Renal biopsy: Purpose, procedure, and risks. Healthline [Internet]. 2023 Jun 20 [cited 2025 May 28].
  3. 3. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Kidney biopsy: Information for patients [Internet]. Oxford: OUH NHS Foundation Trust; 2023 [cited 2025 May 28].
  4. 4. Agarwal SK. Basics of kidney biopsy: A nephrologistโ€™s perspective. Indian J Nephrol. 2013;23(4):243โ€“6.
  5. 5. Xu J, et al. Kidney biopsy-related complications in hospitalized patients with acute kidney disease. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2023;18(7):1012โ€“20.
  6. 6. Agarwal SK, Sethi S, Dinda AK. Basics of kidney biopsy: A nephrologistโ€™s perspective. Indian J Nephrol [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2025 May 28];23(4):243โ€“6
  7. 7. Corapi KM, Chen JL, Balk EM, et al. Bleeding complications of native kidney biopsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2012;7(10):1595-602.

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