Percutaneous biopsy
What does the percutaneous biopsy procedure involve?
The percutaneous kidney biopsy is usually performed on the right kidney under real-time ultrasonic guidance, but a computed tomography scan also offers adequate visualization.
Local anesthesia is typically used, but mild sedation may be used. The patient is placed in the prone position, although the biopsy may rarely be performed in the seated, lateral decubitus, or supine anterolateral position in certain clinical situations.
The lower pole is preferred to help reduce the risk of puncturing a major vessel while accessing the glomeruli of the kidney cortex.
There are a variety of different biopsy needles available, but most operators prefer to use the automated spring-loaded biopsy needle.
Two cores of kidney tissue are recommended for an adequate sample in most patients.
