Kidney Biopsy

Biopsy, Kidney, Percutaneous Renal Biopsy, Renal Biopsy

Risks

There is a small chance for serious problems from a kidney biopsy, but they are rare.

• Bleeding into the muscle, which can cause soreness.
• Bleeding into the kidney.
• Infection of the skin at the biopsy site.
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
• Puncturing a major blood vessel, which may need blood transfusions or surgery. This is very rare.

After the biopsy

After the biopsy, call911or other emergency services immediately if you develop:

• Signs of shock.
• Severe pain in your chest, shoulder, or belly.
• Moderate to severe difficulty breathing.

After the biopsy, call your doctor immediately if you:

• Develop more pain in your back, belly, or groin.
• Have too much bleeding or drainage (such as pus) from the biopsy site.
• Have blood in your urine for longer than 24 hours after the biopsy.
• Develop a fever.
• Have weakness or lightheadedness when you change position, such as standing up from a sitting or lying position.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: October 25, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
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