The Kidney Biopsy

Abstract

The use of percutaneous biopsy to obtain and study renal tissue by light, immunofluorescent and electron microscopy has advanced our understanding of renal disease. As a result, useful clinicopathological correlations were developed and it has become possible to diagnose diseases more precisely, to predict prognosis and to offer treatment based on an understanding of the underlying pathological abnormalities rather than on clinical and laboratory findings alone. Two recent advances, the development of the disposable biopsy needle (Tru-cut needle, Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Deerfield, IL) and the use of renal ultrasonography, have made percutaneous renal biopsy safer and easier to perform. Percutaneous renal biopsy has been performed on thousands of children over the past 30 years and is now an established, safe and practical procedure.