Techniques, Indications, and Complications of Kidney Biopsy: A Narrative Review

Elmukhtar Habas¹, Amnna Rayani², Kalifa Farfar³, Ala Habas⁴, Khaled Alarbi⁵, Aml Habas⁶, Almehdi Errayes⁷, Eshrak Habas⁴, Gamal Alfitori⁶

Keywords: Percutaneous kidney biopsy (PKB), ultrasound guide PKB, CT-guided PKB, PKB complications, and KB cost

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i1.0029

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i1.0029

Publish Date: 21-05-2025

Pages: 51 - 64

Views: 6

Downloads: 11

Author Affiliation:

1 Professor/Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Qatar university, Qatar, Open Libyan University, Libya
2 Professor/Senior Consultant, Tripoli Children Hospital, Open Libyan University, Tripoli-Libya, 
3 Consultant, Department of Medicine, Alwakra General Hospital, Qatar, 
4 Resident, Department of Medicine, Tripoli Central Hospital, University of Tripoli, Tripoli-Libya, 
5 Consultant internal medicine, HGH, Doha-Qatar, 
6 Specialist, Tripoli Children Hospital, Open Libyan University, Tripoli-Libya, 
7 Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar.

Abstract

Accurate diagnosis of the cause of acute or chronic kidney dysfunction may require a percutaneous kidney biopsy (PKB). Unfortunately, the invasive nature of the procedure can lead to potential complications that may discourage the KBs. Lack of appropriate communication skills, experienced personnel and equipment, and high procedure costs can negatively impact complication rates and the frequency of conducted KBs. This nonsystematic review assesses KB procedures, indications, contraindications, complications, post-KB monitoring time, and cost. We looked for reviews and original articles published between January 2010 and Jan 2025 on Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed.  Different keywords, phrases, and sentences include PKB, renal biopsy, native PKB, ultrasound guide, CT-guided, PKB, allograft PKB, and PKB procedures. KB makes histopathological and immunohistological diagnosis possible, which are necessary for diagnosis and treatment. It is often used despite the known complications. KB and other biochemical assays have tracked transplant rejection and antirejection drugs. Automatic gun spiral needles sizes 14 and 16 capture enough samples with fewer complications than gauge sizes 18 and 20. KB cost is another issue, especially in low-income areas, and deserves additional study.