How is a kidney biopsy done?
One type of kidney biopsy is called percutaneous (through the skin) biopsy. A thin needle is passed through the skin into the area of the kidney. Inside the needle is a sharp cutting edge that slices and removes small pieces of the kidney. Another type of biopsy is called open kidney biopsy. This requires surgery rather than a needle. Why are kidney biopsies done? Kidney biopsies are performed for several major reasons: To identify a specific disease process and to determine whether it may respond to treatment To evaluate how much damage has occurred in the kidney To find out why a kidney transplant may not be doing well. This information helps the doctor plan what treatment is needed. What does a kidney biopsy involve? The kidney biopsy can be done with the patient fully awake, under light sedation or under general anesthesia. A local painkiller is injected into the skin to minimize pain where the biopsy needle will enter. Generally, only mild discomfort is felt. The biopsy usually ta
