Renal biopsy: an effective and safe diagnostic procedure

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to know the frequency of various complications of percutaneous renal biopsy [PRB] and to find out its diagnostic yield in terms of enough material for diagnosis. We conducted this study at the department of Nephrology; Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, from 1st January 2003 to 31st December 2004. PRB were performed on native kidneys with ultrasound guidance. All the patients were observed for 24 hours after the biopsy for any complications. Once the report of the biopsy was available, we recorded further information regarding diagnosis and adequacy of biopsy. We analyzed 200 percutaneous renal biopsy procedures. There were no complications in 90% of biopsies [n=180]. Only 8% [n=16/200] of the cases had minor complications and 2% [n=4/200] had major complications including gross haematuria requiring blood transfusion and catheterization for clot retention. Definitive diagnosis was made in 96% [n=192] of biopsies. Two percent [n=4] had inadequate biopsy or medullary sample. No patient sustained major complications like infections, nephrectomy and death. We conclude that PRB with automatic biopsy needle and ultrasound guidance is a very effective and safe procedure for the definitive diagnosis of renal diseases