Korean J Med.  2024 Dec;99(6):308-314. 10.3904/kjm.2024.99.6.308.

Percutaneous Kidney Biopsy: A Valuable Diagnostic Tool

• Lee EJ
• Choi DE

• KMID: 2561734
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2024.99.6.308

Abstract

Percutaneous kidney biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool for the pathological evaluation of renal diseases, particularly glomerular disorders. It is crucial for guiding treatment decisions when clinical and laboratory findings are uncertain. Since its introduction in the mid-20th century, percutaneous kidney biopsy has evolved from an initial blind approach, associated with higher complication rates, to advanced methods using real-time ultrasound or computed tomography guidance and spring-loaded biopsy needles. These advancements have significantly improved tissue sampling accuracy and minimized complications, establishing percutaneous kidney biopsy as a relatively safe diagnostic procedure. Despite these improvements, the invasive nature of the procedure emphasizes the importance of careful patient selection and operator expertise. Nephrologists, as the primary operators and performers of kidney biopsy, play a pivotal role in ensuring timely and appropriate patient care.

Keyword

Kidney biopsy; Ultrasound guidance; Nephrologists; Side effects; Kidney diseases; 신장 생검; 초음파 가이드; 신장내과 전문의; 부작용; 신질환