Ultrasonographic localization for renal biopsy.

One hundred and fifty consecutive percutaneous renal biopsies were performed using ultrasonography to localise the site and depth of the lower pole of the left kidney. Renal tissue was obtained in 95% of cases and an accurate histopathological diagnosis was reached in 89% of patients. Gross haematuria following the procedure occurred in 6%, but was usually transient. No other complications were encountered. Ultrasonographic marking of the biopsy site and depth is a quick, simple, accurate and safe method of localizing the kidney for the purpose of a biopsy.