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Preparing Your Child for a Kidney (Renal) Biopsy HF#4553

Your child is scheduled to have a kidney (renal) biopsy on _________________ at ________ with Dr. _____________________. The biopsy is being done to figure out the cause of your child's kidney problem.  This test will help us decide what is the best treatment for the kidney disease.  These guidelines will help prepare your child for the biopsy.

 

Before the Biopsy

  • Blood tests need to be done to see if your child has a bleeding problem.  These blood tests are routine before any procedure like this.  They will be done the morning of the biopsy.  You may be able to have the lab work done at your local hospital a few days before the procedure and have your doctor FAX the results to us.  Your doctor will discuss this with you.
  • Do not give your child aspirin or any over-the-counter medicines that may contain aspirin or ibuprofen for 10 days before the biopsy.  Aspirin or aspirin-like products can prevent the clotting of blood.  You may give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol® )if you need to for any reason.
  • You may want to bring along your child's special blanket, pillow, or toy for comfort.
  • Our Pediatric Sedation Service will contact you prior to the biopsy to tell you when your child can eat and drink.

 

Biopsy Day

 

  • Please bring all medications your child will need to take the day of the biopsy with you.  You will be able to give your child his/her own prescribed medications the day of the biopsy.
  • Report to the Diagnostic Therapy Center on the 1st floor of the American Family Children's Hospital.  Your child’s blood will be drawn and an IV (intravenous line) will be started.  The IV is placed so that medicine can be given to make your child drowsy.
  • The nurses and doctors from the pediatric sedation team will do a brief history and exam to decide the best medicine to use.
  • The biopsy will be done using ultrasound.  You may stay with your child during the entire procedure.  There is also a waiting room there if you prefer to wait outside the room.
  • The biopsy takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

After the Biopsy

 

  • Your child will need to lie in bed for at least 6 to 8 hours.  He can do quiet activities and eat.  He or she will only be able to get up out of bed to go to the bathroom. 
  • Blood pressure and heart rate will be checked by the nurse every so often after the procedure.  This is routine following a procedure like this.
  • If your child needs to go to the bathroom, please let the nurse know.  Each urine sample needs to be looked at and measured.  It is common to see blood in your child’s urine.  Most often this clears within 6 to 12 hours.
  • As soon as your child is fully awake, he will be given something to drink or eat.  The nurse will want to keep track of how much your child is drinking.  It is vital to encourage your child to drink.
  • Most children will be able to go home or to the Ronald McDonald House at the end of the day.  A few children may need to stay overnight.

 

After Your Child is Home

  • If your child goes home or to the Ronald McDonald House the night of the biopsy, he should rest for the remainder of the evening and overnight.
  • No heavy exercise, sports, gym class or heavy lifting for 2 weeks. We will provide you with a doctor’s excuse for gym classes at school.
  • You can expect your child to have some pain. You may give acetaminophen (Tylenol®) as directed.

When to Call

 

If your child has any of these symptoms, please contact us.

  • Back pain that is new or not getting better each day.
  • Stomach pain
  • Blood in the urine that develops after you have gone home
  • Dizziness
  • Fever greater than 100.4° F
Phone Numbers

 

Specialty Clinic phone:   (608) 263-6420

 

Toll free number            1-800-323-8942

 

 

In an emergency, if you need to contact the doctor after hours, on weekends and holidays, call (608) 263-6420.  This will give you the paging operator. Ask for the Pediatric Nephrologist on call.  Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

The Spanish version of this HFFY is #5949.

 

 

 

 



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: 01/28/2013

Copyright © 01/28/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4553

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