Why is this procedure done?
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs in the back of your belly, just above your waist. They filter your blood and get rid of waste products and extra fluid from your body. The waste is turned into urine. Sometimes, your kidneys do not work well. Kidney failure is an illness where your kidney stops removing waste from the blood. ‚
A kidney biopsy uses a special needle to remove a small piece of tissue from one of your kidneys. Tissue will be tested to look for changes that may be causing your illness. This is done to: ‚
- Find out why you have blood or protein in your urine
- Check why the kidneys are not working well
- Know the cause of your kidney problems
- Check what was seen on a CT scan or ultrasound
- Find out why a transplanted kidney is not working
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What will the results be?
A biopsy may help find out what is wrong with your kidneys. This will help your doctor decide on the correct treatment. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- If you have an infection, the biopsy will be done after the infection is treated.
- Your doctor may ask you to take drugs before the biopsy to prevent infection.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the procedure. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- You will be awake during the procedure. You will lie face down on the exam table with a pillow under your stomach.
- The skin on your back over the kidney will be cleaned with a cold liquid. A numbing drug, that will sting a little bit, is put in this area to keep you pain free. A needle is put into the kidney and you will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds as the tissue is taken. Sometimes, an ultrasound or CT scan is used to find your kidney. You may hear some clicking sounds from the machine and feel some pressure.
- After the needle is taken out, a bandage is put on the site.
- The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be taken to the Recovery Room. You need to stay in bed for 6 to 8 hours. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be checked often. If you have any cramping, you will be given drugs for this.
- When you pass urine, it will be collected and sent to the lab.
- You will go to a regular hospital room for 12 to 24 hours. If there are no problems, you may go home.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You may have bright red blood in your urine for the first 24 hours after the biopsy.
- Your doctor will give you drugs to prevent infection. Make sure to take all the drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Your doctor may tell you to lie down in a certain position for the next 12 to 24 hours. This will help prevent bleeding.
- Drink lots of fluids to help flush out any bleeding caused by the biopsy. You may eat your normal diet.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your biopsy site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if you need other tests.
- The results will help your doctor know what kind of problem you have. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Avoid exercise and activities that tire you out. Straining may cause the biopsy site to bleed. ‚
What problems could happen?
Where can I learn more?
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/biopsy/ ‚
National Kidney Federation ‚
http://www.kidney.org.uk/Medical-Info/kidney-disease/biopsy.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚