Kidney Biopsy

• A kidney biopsy is done after other tests for kidney disease (such as blood and urine tests, Reference ultrasound Opens New Window, and a Reference CT scan Opens New Window) have not been able to tell what kind of kidney problem is present. A kidney biopsy has more risk for problems than these other tests and a chance of Reference false-negative results Opens New Window. More than one biopsy may be needed. For more information, see the topics Reference Abdominal Ultrasound and Reference CT Scan of the Body.
• Open kidney biopsy and ureteroscopy are two other methods that may be used to take kidney tissue samples. You will stay overnight in the hospital for these biopsies.
  • An open kidney biopsy is a surgery done in an operating room while you are asleep (Reference general anesthesia Opens New Window). A cut (incision) is made through the back or the side and a small piece of kidney tissue is taken out. Open biopsy is often done when the doctor needs to remove a larger piece of tissue (such as a tumor).
  • Ureteroscopy with biopsy is often done if there is a mass in the renal pelvis or ureter. Ureteroscopy is a surgery done in an operating room under spinal or general anesthesia. A long thin flexible tube (ureteroscope) is used to look inside the ureter and lower part of the kidney (renal pelvis). Once the mass is found, a biopsy is done through the ureteroscope.

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