Kidney biopsy surgery is a medical procedure that involves removing a small piece of kidney tissue and examining it under a microscope to diagnose various kidney disorders. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia and lasts less than an hour. This article will cover everything you need to know about kidney biopsy surgery, including its benefits, risks, and recovery time.

Kidney Biopsy Surgery


Why kidney biopsy is performed?

Kidney biopsy surgery is used to diagnose kidney diseases like glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and lupus nephritis. If left untreated, these diseases can cause kidney damage, which can lead to kidney failure. Kidney biopsy surgery assists doctors in determining the cause of kidney damage and the best course of treatment.

What Are the Advantages of a Kidney Biopsy?

Kidney biopsy surgery has several advantages, including:

Diagnosis: Kidney biopsy surgery is the most accurate method of diagnosing kidney diseases. It enables doctors to examine kidney tissue under a microscope, providing detailed information about the disease and its severity.

Doctors can provide personalised treatment based on the type and severity of the disease once it has been diagnosed. This can increase the likelihood of successful treatment and decrease the risk of complications.

Monitoring Disease Progression: Kidney biopsy surgery can also be used to track how kidney disease progresses over time. This can assist doctors in determining whether the treatment is effective or if changes should be made.

What Are the Risks of a Kidney Biopsy?

Kidney biopsy surgery is a safe procedure, but it does carry some risks, as with any medical procedure. The following are some of the most common risks associated with kidney biopsy surgery:

Kidney biopsy surgery can result in kidney bleeding, which can lead to blood clots and other complications. However, this is uncommon and, if it occurs, is easily treated.

Infection: There is a risk of infection following kidney biopsy surgery, but it is also uncommon. Antibiotics are usually given to patients to prevent infection.

Pain: Following surgery, some patients may experience pain or discomfort at the biopsy site. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually adequate.

Damage to Other Organs: There is a small risk of damage to other organs during the procedure, such as the liver or spleen. However, this is uncommon and, if it occurs, is easily managed.

How Does Kidney Biopsy Surgery Work?

Kidney biopsy surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour to complete. Patients are given a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the kidney prior to surgery. In addition, they are given medication to help them relax and reduce anxiety.

During the surgery, the doctor will remove a small piece of kidney tissue with a needle. The needle is usually inserted into the kidney through the skin on the back. After removing the tissue sample, it is sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.

Patients are usually asked to lie on their backs for a few hours after surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. They have also kept an eye out for signs of bleeding or other complications. Most patients are able to return home the same day and resume their normal activities within a few days.

How Does the Recovery Process Work?

The recovery period following kidney biopsy surgery is usually brief and painless. Patients may experience pain or discomfort at the site of the biopsy, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

To reduce the risk of bleeding, patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days after surgery. They are also instructed to drink plenty of fluids in order to flush any remaining anaesthesia or medications from their system.

Patients are usually advised to refrain from driving and heavy lifting for a few days following surgery. They should also refrain from taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin for a few days, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.

Patients must follow their doctor's instructions and attend any follow-up appointments after surgery. The doctor may order additional tests or imaging studies to track the progression of the disease and determine whether the kidney biopsy treatment plan needs to be modified.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Following kidney biopsy surgery, the majority of patients recover quickly and without complications. However, if any of the following symptoms occur, it is critical to seek medical attention:
  • Severe pain or bleeding at the site of the biopsy
  • Breathing difficulties or chest pain
  • Fever or infection-related symptoms, such as redness or swelling at the biopsy site
  • Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhoea
  • Fainting or dizziness
  • These symptoms may indicate a serious problem that necessitates immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

Kidney biopsy surgery is a safe and effective method of diagnosing a variety of kidney diseases. It provides accurate information about the disease and assists doctors in determining the best kidney biopsy treatment in Coimbatore. While there are some risks associated with the procedure, most patients recover quickly and without complications. If you have kidney disease symptoms, talk to your doctor about whether kidney biopsy surgery is right for you.