Full diagnostic cycle
In this option, the clinic performs both a puncture and a histological examination: 1–3 columns of tissue are fixed, processed and described by a pathologist; if necessary, immunohistochemistry is performed to determine the type of tumor or the nature of the glomerular lesion. When a kidney forms, a targeted biopsy from its edge (not from the center, where there may be necrosis) makes it possible to distinguish cancer from a benign oncocytoma or angiomyolipoma and avoid unnecessary surgery. The conclusion is discussed with a urologist or nephrologist, who determines the tactics.
Why is a kidney biopsy necessary?
A biopsy is the only way to find out the exact nature of the changes in the kidney. In nephrology, it is performed for glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, unexplained renal failure and protein in the urine in order to select treatment according to the morphological type. In urology - for kidney tumors, when the diagnosis on CT is unclear, before ablation or active surveillance of small formations, when lymphoma or metastasis is suspected, and in patients for whom surgery is contraindicated.
Security
Under ultrasound guidance with a thin needle, the risk of complications is low: a small hematoma occurs in 5–10% and resolves on its own, significant bleeding occurs in less than 1%. For prevention, blood thinning medications are stopped a week in advance, blood pressure and coagulation are monitored, and after the biopsy the patient lies for 6-12 hours and is observed in the clinic. A control ultrasound is performed a day later.
