Renal Biopsy

Renal biopsy, also known as kidney biopsy, is a process that involves taking small samples of kidney tissue to be studied under a microscope to ascertain the type, severity, and best course of therapy for any related renal disorders.

The two general terminologies used to describe a variety of glomerular damage.

Why is a Renal Biopsy performed?

In general, it is advised for those who have kidney illness. When blood and urine test results are unable to provide sufficient information, it is done. The reasons that are most prevalent for kidney biopsies are listed below. You may have one or more of these issues, but not everyone with these issues requires a kidney biopsy:

• Blood in the urine also known as haematuria.
• Protein in the urine, also known as proteinuria. Patients who suffer from kidney issues frequently experience this issue. A kidney biopsy may be advised to determine the exact cause of the underlying issue if there are high or rising levels of protein in the urine, any other kidney disease symptoms, or both.
• Kidney functioning issues: If there is sudden or gradual kidney dysfunction, a kidney biopsy is advised, especially if the problem's underlying cause is unknown.

Risks and Complications of Kidney Biopsy

While there are no significant complications from a kidney biopsy, there may be less severe complications include bleeding, discomfort, or the development of an abnormal blood vessel connection (a fistula). Urinary leaks, infections, or injury to blood arteries or other organs are examples of rare consequences.

• One of the most frequent complications seen is bleeding. Many patients may experience blood in their urine for a few days following a kidney biopsy. Although it seldom happens, severe bleeding into the urine or around the kidneys may require a blood transfusion. Rarely, it can even turn fatal, and in certain cases, a technique or surgery to control the bleeding is necessary.
  Visit the renal biopsy doctor in Mumbai, Dr. Vijay Patel if the colour of the urine is bright red or brown for more than a week.

• Pain: After a kidney biopsy, there is undoubtedly a feeling of pain. Following the surgery, medications are given to lessen the discomfort, and as a result, the pain typically subsides within a few hours. Contact Dr. Vijay Patel, the best nephrologist in Mumbai, if you are experiencing severe and persistent pain.
• Arteriovenous fistula: Rarely, the biopsy needle might cause damage to the walls of an adjacent artery or vein, which can result in the formation of a fistula—a link between the two blood vessels. Fistulas typically do not create issues and eventually close by themselves.