Have you been told to have a kidney biopsy? Don't worry, let's talk about it!

Sometimes your doctor may tell you that you need to do a "biopsy" to find out exactly what's wrong with your kidneys. It's normal to feel a little scared and anxious when you hear this word. But it's actually not as scary as we think. So today, let's talk about what a kidney biopsy is, why it's done, and how it's done.

Simply put, what is a kidney biopsy?

A kidney biopsy, or `(Renal Biopsy),` is a procedure in which a very small piece of tissue is taken from your kidney and examined under a microscope. To be precise, a doctor uses a special needle to take this small piece of tissue. In rare cases, this piece of tissue may also be taken during surgery. By taking and examining a piece of tissue in this way, it is possible to find out exactly what problems are inside the kidney.

Why would a doctor recommend a biopsy?

A biopsy is usually done to identify problems inside the kidney that cannot be detected by blood tests, urine tests, or scans. Imagine, your doctor suspects that there is a problem with your kidney, but the cause is not clearly visible even on a scan. That is when this test is performed.

Let's explain this further with the table below.

How do you prepare before a biopsy?

Before the biopsy, you will need to see your doctor. He or she will discuss your health history, perform a physical exam, and order blood and urine tests.

The most important thing is to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, whether they are prescribed by a doctor, over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, or even traditional medicines. Some medications, such as aspirin, can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, you may be advised to stop taking certain medications about a week before the biopsy.

Also, you will be clearly told when to stop eating and drinking before the biopsy, what medications you need to continue taking, and what medications you need to stop.

What happens during a biopsy?

Don't worry, you won't feel any pain at this point. This is because most of the time this is done by putting you under moderate sedation or general anesthesia. During moderate sedation, you will be awake, but you will feel very relaxed and will not feel any pain. During general anesthesia, you will be asleep.

This test is performed by a team of specialists, usually including a radiologist, a nephrologist, and nursing staff.

Usually, this is done by turning you over and lying on your back. However, if you have had a kidney transplant, you will be placed on your stomach and lie down on your side.

There are two main methods:

1. Percutaneous Biopsy: This is the most commonly used method. After the doctor numbs the area, he uses a scanner (Ultrasound or CT imaging) to locate the exact location of the kidney and insert a special needle to remove the tissue.

2. Open Biopsy: In this, a small incision is made in the skin, a piece of tissue is removed from the kidney, and the incision is closed with stitches. This is usually done under general anesthesia.

This entire process usually takes about an hour.

What happens after the biopsy?

After the biopsy, you will be taken to a recovery room and monitored by medical staff for several hours. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight. During this time, your blood pressure and pulse will be monitored regularly. You will also be checked to see if you are able to urinate well and if there is any excessive bleeding.

Once everything is confirmed to be normal, you will be allowed to go home. But remember, you will not be able to drive because you are under anesthesia. You will definitely need to have a family member or friend come and take you home.

The tissue sample taken from you will be sent to a laboratory. There, a specialist (pathologist) will examine it and prepare a report. Your doctor will receive this report in a few days.

What are the benefits and risks?

The main advantage is that it can accurately diagnose the condition of the kidney and also monitor how well a transplanted kidney is working.

The risks are very low, but some complications can occur.

How long will it take to recover?

The pain from a needle biopsy should subside within a few days. The pain from a surgical biopsy may last for about a week. Your doctor will prescribe painkillers. You should avoid heavy lifting, heavy lifting, or strenuous exercise for a week or two.

When you need to see a doctor quickly

If you experience any of the symptoms below, call your doctor immediately, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

• If you have a high fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C).
• If the biopsy site is red, swollen, or discolored.
• If there is still blood in the urine 24 hours after the biopsy.
• If you have difficulty urinating.
• If you have burning or pain when urinating (Dysuria).
• If you feel dizzy or lightheaded while walking.

Kidney Biopsy, Kidney Biopsy, Renal Biopsy, Kidney Disease, Kidney Tests, How to Do a Biopsy, Kidney Tissue Test