A kidney biopsy is a procedure in which an organ tissue element is taken through a special needle. This is the only 100% reliable method that allows you to correctly diagnose, objectively assess the severity of the disease and choose treatment, avoiding unpleasant side effects and complications.
Indications for kidney biopsy
Puncture (retroperitoneoscopic) kidney biopsy can be prescribed for:
- kidney disease (acute or chronic form);
- suspected nephrotic syndrome or cancer;
- increase of nitrogenous slags in the blood;
- urinary tract infections;
- violation of the transplanted kidney.
This method of diagnosis is carried out and after the analysis of urine, if it was found blood or protein. Also a renal biopsy is shown with rapidly progressing glomerulonephritis .
Contraindications to a kidney biopsy
If the patient has direct indications for a kidney biopsy, you need to make sure that he does not have contraindications to her, and only then perform the procedure. It is strictly forbidden to people who:
- there is only one functioning kidney;
- there is an allergic reaction to novocaine;
- a violation of blood coagulability, renal artery aneurysm or hydronephrosis .
Relative contraindications to kidney biopsy include severe diastolic hypertension, nephroptosis, and myeloma.
How is kidney biopsy performed?
A kidney biopsy is done both in a hospital setting and in an outpatient clinic. Inpatient monitoring is indicated for patients who can not interrupt reception of anticoagulants, since there is a risk of developing cardiovascular complications. Before the procedure should not drink or eat for 8 hours, and completely empty the bladder. A few days before the study CT or ultrasound is performed in order to better determine the location of the alleged puncture.
The kidney biopsy is performed in this way:
- The patient lies down on the special table face down.
- The injection site is treated with an antiseptic.
- Local anesthesia is performed.
- Under the supervision of ultrasound, a long biopsy needle is inserted.
- A small amount of tissue is taken from the kidney.
- The needle goes out.
In some cases, 2-3 punctures are required to obtain sufficient tissue to establish an accurate diagnosis.
After completion of the procedure for the prevention of bleeding, the patient is recommended to lie on his back during the day.