Preparation for appointments and diagnostics
Preparation for a visit to a specialist clinic
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Kidney biopsy
A kidney biopsy is a medical procedure that involves taking a small sample of kidney tissue for analysis under a microscope. It is performed to diagnose the cause of kidney problems, assess their severity and plan appropriate treatment. A biopsy is a safe method that provides key information about the condition of your kidneys.
A kidney biopsy is recommended when other tests, such as blood and urine analysis, do not provide sufficient data. It may be needed in situations such as:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria) - A biopsy will help determine the cause of blood in the urine.
- Protein in the urine (proteinuria) - If the level of protein in the urine is high or increasing, a biopsy can help in the diagnosis, especially when accompanied by other symptoms of kidney disease.
- Kidney function problems - For unexplained kidney disorders, biopsy provides important diagnostic information.
Before the biopsy, your doctor will order tests to see if you have a blood clotting disorder or infection. About one to two weeks before the procedure, you may need to stop medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, as long as your doctor deems it safe. If you are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin, heparin, or clopidogrel, your doctor will decide when they can be discontinued.
A kidney biopsy is most often performed under local anesthesia. A special needle is inserted through the skin into the kidney, and the entire procedure is monitored by ultrasound, X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. This allows the doctor to precisely take a sample of the tissue. In rare cases, the biopsy is performed using an open method under general anesthesia or using laparoscopic techniques.
The tissue sample is examined in a laboratory, and you usually receive the biopsy results within one to two weeks.
After the biopsy, you remain under observation for several hours to monitor any complications, such as pain or bleeding. Follow-up tests such as ultrasound or blood analysis may be necessary. You usually go home the same day, but sometimes you may need to be observed in the hospital overnight. For 1-2 weeks after the biopsy, you should avoid strenuous exercise and taking anticoagulants, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
Kidney biopsy is generally safe, but some complications may arise, including:
- Bleeding - This is the most common complication. Blood in the urine may be visible for several days after the biopsy. In rare cases, a blood transfusion or surgical intervention may be required.
- Pain - It is usually mild and subsides within a few hours. However, if the pain is severe, contact your doctor.
- Arteriovenous fistula - In rare cases, a biopsy can cause an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein, which usually closes spontaneously.
If you notice any worrisome symptoms after the biopsy, such as prolonged urinary bleeding, severe pain or other unusual complaints, consult your doctor immediately.