Preparing for Your Kidney Biopsy

Your kidney biopsy is on ____________________________________.                                                            .

It is being done to find the cause of your kidney problem.  This will help us decide what the best treatment for your kidney disease is.  These guidelines will help you prepare for the biopsy.

 

Before the Biopsy

 

1.   Blood tests need to be done before the biopsy to see if you have a bleeding problem. These blood tests are routine before any procedure like this.  They may be done a few days before or the morning of the biopsy.  If you live far from the hospital, you may be able to have the lab work done at your local clinic.  Your doctor can FAX the results to us.  Your doctor will discuss this with you.

 

2.   Do not take aspirin or any over-the-counter medicines that may contain aspirin or ibuprofen products for one week before the biopsy.  These products can prevent the clotting of blood.  You may take Tylenol^® if you need to for any reason.

 

3.   Do not eat anything at least 6 hours before the biopsy.

 

Biopsy Day

 

1.   Report to_________________________________________ at ________ am.  Your blood will be drawn and an IV (intravenous line) will be started.  The IV is placed so that medicine can be given to you to help you relax and feel sleepy.

 

2.   The nurses and doctors will do a brief history and physical to decide on the best sedation to use.

 

3.   The biopsy may be done with ultrasound, CT, or fluoroscopy.

 

4.   The biopsy takes about 45 minutes. 

 

After the Biopsy

 

1.   You will return to the Ambulatory Procedure Center or _____________________________.

 

2.   You will need to lie on your back in bed for at least 6 hours.  Then, you will need to stay in bed for the rest of the day and overnight.

 

3.   Blood pressure and pulse will be checked every 15 minutes for the first hour, every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours, and then hourly until you go home.

 

4.   If you need to go to the bathroom, please let the nurse know.  Each sample needs to be looked at and measured.  It is common to see blood in your urine.  This most often goes away within 6 to 12 hours.

 

5.   As soon as the sedation wears off and you are alert, you will be given something to drink or eat as you are able.  The nurse will want to record how much you are drinking.  It is important to drink after the biopsy.

 

Instructions for Home Care

 

1.   No heavy exercise or heavy lifting for 1 week. 

 

2.   You may expect some local pain.  You can take Tylenol®.

 

3.   If you have any of these symptoms, call the doctor.

 

• Back pain that is new or not improving every day
• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the urine that starts after you have gone home
• Dizziness
• Fever

 

Phone Numbers

 

Kidney Clinic:  (608) 270-5656

 

After hours, weekends and holidays, this number will give you the paging operator.  Ask for the Nephrologist on call.  Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

Clinic Appointments: (608) 270-5656

 

Fax: (608) 270-5602 (Attention: Clinic Nurse)

 

Interventional Radiology: (608) 263-8355

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/27/2008

Copyright © 06/27/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5487

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