A kidney biopsy is a medical procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the kidney for examination under a microscope. This procedure is typically done to diagnose and monitor various kidney conditions, such as kidney disease, kidney cancer, and kidney infections. Understanding the process of a kidney biopsy is important for patients who may need to undergo this procedure.
At the Texas Kidney Institute, kidney biopsies are performed by experienced nephrologists and interventional radiologists in a safe and controlled environment. Before the procedure, patients are typically given instructions on how to prepare, which may include fasting for a certain period of time and stopping certain medications that can affect blood clotting.
During the procedure, the patient is usually positioned on their stomach or side on an examination table. The skin over the kidney area is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. A thin needle is then inserted through the skin and into the kidney to collect a small sample of tissue. The entire process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
After the biopsy, patients are monitored for a few hours to ensure there are no complications, such as bleeding or infection. It is normal to experience some discomfort or pain at the biopsy site for a few days after the procedure. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few days to allow the biopsy site to heal properly.
The tissue sample collected during the biopsy is sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist. The results of the biopsy can help doctors determine the cause of kidney problems and develop an appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be repeated to monitor the progression of a kidney condition or to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Overall, understanding the process of a kidney biopsy can help patients feel more informed and prepared if they need to undergo this procedure. At the Texas Kidney Institute, patients can trust that their kidney biopsy will be performed by skilled professionals in a safe and efficient manner. If you have any questions or concerns about kidney biopsies, do not hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider for more information.
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.
- Source: https://renal.platohealth.ai/what-to-expect-during-a-kidney-biopsy-everything-you-need-to-know-texas-kidney-institute/