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Kidney Biopsy Procedure
Dr. Chris Beck • Updated Jan 2, 2025 • 546 hits
The kidney biopsy procedure is a vital diagnostic tool used to evaluate kidney health and diagnose conditions such as chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, or unexplained kidney dysfunction. Performed by interventional radiologists under image guidance, this minimally invasive procedure involves extracting a small sample of kidney tissue for detailed analysis. Kidney biopsies are essential for determining the underlying cause of kidney issues and guiding personalized treatment plans. With a focus on precision and patient safety, this procedure is typically well-tolerated and involves minimal recovery time. By providing critical insights into kidney function and pathology, the kidney biopsy procedure plays a key role in managing and improving kidney health.
Table of Contents
(1) Kidney Biopsy Pre-Procedure Prep
(2) Kidney Biopsy Procedure Steps
(3) Kidney Biopsy Post-Procedure
Kidney Biopsy Pre-Procedure Prep
Indications
• Unexplained renal failure
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Isolated non nephrotic proteinuria
• Isolated glomerular hematuria
• Renal masses
• Renal transplant rejection
• Renal transplant dysfunction
Contraindications
• Severe uncontrollable Hypertension
• Uncooperative patient
• Uncorrectable coagulopathy
Pre-Procedure Evaluation
• Hold any blood thinners (See SIR anticoagulation guidelines for specific medications)
• Withhold solid foods except medications (do not hold BP meds) for 6 hours for moderate sedation.
• Informed consent
• Labs: Platelets, PT/PTT, INR, Cr, BUN.
• Choose imaging modality CT vs US (US is the most common and efficient for kidney biopsies)
• Review any prior imaging
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Kidney Biopsy Procedure Steps
Kidney Biopsy Positioning
• Native kidneys are most easily biopsied with the patient in a prone position. Both focal and nonfocal biopsies may be performed with the patient in a prone position. Lesions along the lateral edge of the kidney may be difficult to access via an ipsilateral side–down approach.
• A supine position of the patient is chosen for non-focal ultrasound-guided biopsies of a transplanted kidney. Typically, a transplanted kidney is positioned in the right or left lower pelvis and the most direct access is via an anterior approach. A supine anterolateral approach may also be used in obese patients. A supine transhepatic approach is occasionally used to reach anterior renal lesions.
Imaging Guidance
• Ultrasound vs CT depending on body habitus, available equipment, and lesion vs non focal biopsy.
Sedation
• Moderate Sedation most commonly used. General anesthesia if patient cannot hold still.
Kidney Biopsy Procedure
• IV access (18 g preferred)
• Position the patient as appropriate and localize the lower pole of the kidney by imaging
• Lower pole of the native kidney has the lowest risk of puncturing a vessel and causing a perinephric hematoma
• Determine kidney size and detect unexpected anatomical barriers like cysts that would indicate the use of the contralateral kidney
• Make a skin mark to identify where the biopsy will be indicated for the lower pole target
• Prep the site of the skin mark and anesthetize the subcutaneous tissues using 1% local Lidocaine
• Under imaging guidance, carefully place the tip of the 17 g coaxial needle into the lower pole cortex and verify positioning by imaging. Once in position, pass the 18 g biopsy needle through the coaxial needle to obtain samples.
• 3-4 core biopsy samples are recommended. Goal is to obtain renal cortex (or lesion) tissue, avoiding the central kidney.
• Follow up imaging with US or CT to confirm no immediate bleeding. If a small hematoma develops, watch for 15-20 minutes for growth. Keep Systolic BP <145 mmHg.
Kidney Biopsy Post-Procedure
Post Kidney Biopsy Care
• Pressure over biopsy site for 1 hour. Patient can lay the flank over a rolled up towel.
• Close observation of vital signs and symptoms of hematoma for 3-6 hours is absolutely necessary.
• Vital signs should be monitored every 15 minutes for 2 hours, every 30 min for 2 hours, then every hour for 2 hours post kidney biopsy procedure.
• If there is worsening pain over the flank, re-image with CT or ultrasound and check CBC.
• If bleeding rapidly, blood transfusion and transcatheter embolization may be necessary.
Potential Kidney Biopsy Complications
• Perinephric and subcapsular hematoma
• Retroperitoneal hematoma
• Hematuria
• Arteriovenous fistula or Renal Artery pseudoaneurysm
Podcast Contributors
Cite This Podcast
BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2019, March 25). Ep. 39 – How to Take Better Biopsies [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.
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