Introduction
A kidney biopsy is an invasive procedure so this means that there is a certain risk to getting one. The complications from this procedure ranges from some pain to death.
Common Complications
Most kidney biopsies result is some pain and bleeding. However, it usually gets better relatively soon. Occasionally, there is some damage to an artery and vein of the kidney but it usually mild.- Pain: Most patients have some pain or soreness at the biopsy site and a mild narcotic is often prescribed. Pain lasting longer than 12 hours is less common (<5%) and may mean a blood clot is blocking the ureter or there is bleeding around the kidney.
- Bleeding: Bleeding is the most common complication of a biopsy. The urine may be bloody initially but it usually clears within 24 hours. Rarely, bleeding is severe enough to require blood transfusions or surgery. It is estimated that surgery is required less than 0.5% of the time (5 per 1,000) and the kidney needs to be removed in approximately 0.06% of the time (6 per 10,000). You should make sure to avoid blood-thinning medications, get pre-testing blood work, and have an ultrasound or CT used to assist in needle placement.
- Arteriovenous Fistula: Damage to an artery and vein leading to a connection between the two blood vessels (fistula) can occasionally occur. Most do not cause problems and usually fix themselves. However, very rarely it can cause or worsen heart failure.
Serious Complications
If you are scheduled to get a kidney biopsy, your doctor has already determined that the benefits appear to outweigh the risks. However, you should be aware of some of the more serious complications. With good technique, these types of complications are very rare.- Infection: Because bacteria are everywhere, any procedure that punctures the skin can cause an infection. The most common type of infection after a biopsy is a skin infection (cellulitis) or a urinary tract infection. Getting an infection is pretty rare if you do not have an active infection at the time of biopsy and your doctor is careful to keep the biopsy site clean/sterile.
- Puncturing a Lung or Another Organ: With proper technique and good radiology assistance, this should not happen. When your doctor tells you to hold your breath, you should hold your breath!
- Death: Death is a rare complication of a kidney biopsy (1 in 1,000), but it is not impossible. Always insist on having an ultrasound or CT used to locate the kidney and mark the biopsy site.