Kidney Biopsy
Kidney biopsy is an important test useful in the diagnosis of certain kidney diseases such as glomerulonephritis, certain tubulointerstitial diseases, etc.
What is kidney biopsy?
During a kidney biopsy, a small piece of kidney tissue is removed through a needle and examined under a microscope. Kidney biopsy is performed to diagnose the exact nature of certain kidney diseases, e.g. glomerulonephritis and certain tubulointerstitial diseases, etc.
When is kidney biopsy advised?
In certain kidney diseases even a detailed history, physical examination and routine tests are unable to establish proper diagnosis. In such patients, a kidney biopsy may provide additional information, which can establish the correct diagnosis.
How does the kidney biopsy help?
The kidney biopsy establishes specific diagnosis of certain unexplained kidney diseases, e.g. glomerulonephritis and certain tubulointerstitial diseases, etc. With this information, the nephrologist is able to plan effective treatment strategy and guide patients and their family about the severity and course of the disease.
By which technique is a kidney biopsy performed?
The most common method is via a percutaneous needle biopsy (usually performed in the radiology suite), in which a hollow needle is passed through the skin into the kidney. Another rarely used method is open biopsy which requires surgery (performed in the operating room).
How is a kidney biopsy performed?
Are there any risks to kidney biopsy?
Like any surgical procedure, complications can occur in a few patients after kidney biopsy. Mild pain or discomfort over the puncture site and passing of reddish urine once or twice is not uncommon, but it usually stops on its own. In rare cases where bleeding continues, blood transfusion may be required. In extreme and very rare circumstances where by intractable severe bleeding persists emergency removal of kidney by surgery may become necessary.
Sometimes kidney tissue obtained may not be adequate for diagnosis (about 1 in 20). Repeat biopsy may be needed in such cases.