Ultrasound guided percutaneous biopsy or operative biopsy in patients with renal impairment?

Sixty-four percutaneous renal biopsies under ultrasound guidance done in 60 patients with renal impairment are compared with 33 open, operative biopsies. In 62 percutaneous biopsies (96.8%), more than 3 glomeruli could be obtained. Eight biopsies (12.5%) presented with minor complications afterwards. All of them were spontaneously reversible. In the operative biopsy group, there were complications in 6 patients (18.2%). In 2 cases, operative revision was necessary. In conclusion, percutaneous ultrasound guided biopsy in experienced hands offers several advantages in patients with renal impairment. It must be kept in mind that from a minority of patients only an operative biopsy can be taken due to certain risks.