Kidney biopsy is an invasive procedure in which a small amount of kidney tissue is retrieved with the help of a biopsy needle/biopsy gun and microscopical examination is done. This is done under
local anesthesia. This is usually done when clinical examination, blood investigations (routine and specific) and imaging investigations are not enough to give a definitive diagnosis.
A few investigations may be done before the procedure like Platelet,
Prothrombin Time, APTT and
bleeding time, which indicates the coagulation profile. Some nephrologists prefer the subject to be off medications like Aspirin and
Warfarin.
Post procedure, the subjects lie flat on their back for 4–6 hours to minimise the risk of bleeding. Vital parameters and urine are frequently monitored to ensure the patient is not suffering any bleeding complications.
Complications are uncommon and may consist of minor bleeding from the biopsy site and in some cases there there may be haematuria (blood in urine). Pain at the biopsy site may occur, which may be relieved with anti-inflammatory agents like
Paracetamol. Very rarely, severe complications like perinephric
hematoma,
Urinary retention (due to blood clot) and shock (due to sudden brisk bleeding) may occur.
Your Nephrologist will give an overview about the procedure and the pre-procedure tests required, and the patient's NOK may have to sign a consent form for the procedure.