Ultrasound Guided Biopsy Kidney Mass Biopsy
Your doctor has scheduled a biopsy of an area on one of your kidneys. This will be done on ________________. Please register for the procedure at Radiology G3/3 on the 3rd floor at___________ am/pm. Before the biopsy, our doctors will explain what will happen, answer any questions, and ask you to sign a consent form.
What Is a Biopsy Done by Ultrasound?
A biopsy removes a small tissue sample from the area of concern. The procedure is guided by the use of ultrasound.
Ultrasound looks at deep structures by making an image from the sound waves which reflect back from the tissues. No radiation or “x-ray” is used.
How to Prepare for the Biopsy
• You may have lab tests done on the day of the procedure. We may draw blood for a platelet count and INR. This will be done when your IV is started or in some instances we may request this to be done in the lab prior to registration.
• Please notify us if you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin® (warfarin), heparin, Plavix®, Pradaxa®, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, low molecular heparin injections (Fragmin® or Lovenox®) or daily aspirin; someone from ultrasound will call your doctor and discuss when you should stop taking it and when you should start again.
• If you have diabetes, please call your doctor to discuss how your medicine doses should change before this procedure. Test your blood sugar more often when you can’t eat as well as before the procedure. If your blood sugar level is low (less than 70 mg/dl) or you have symptoms, eat some glucose tablets or drink 4 ounces of a clear liquid with sugar. Always recheck your blood sugar level to make sure it stays above 70. We may still be able to do the procedure unless you need to eat solid food to keep your blood sugar at a normal level. If the blood sugar ever gets too high or too low and you can’t bring it back to normal, call your local doctor or diabetes doctor.
• Stop eating at ________ the day of the procedure. You may drink clear liquids until _______ the day of the procedure. Clear liquids include black coffee, tea, water and juices without pulp that you can see through.
• You will be awake for the procedure. You may be given medications to help mildly sedate you with Midazolam and Fentanyl in your IV before the procedure. Please inform the nurse if you have sleep apnea. You must have someone drive you home if you are to receive any medications. You should not drive or make important personal or business decisons until the next day.
During the Biopsy
Be sure to tell the radiologists if you have any allergies (contrast dye, antibiotics, anesthetic agents, etc.).
An IV will be used to give you fluids. Medicine for pain and/or anxiety is sometimes given. You can talk about this with the nurse or radiologist.
After a review of your x-rays the radiologist, using ultrasound, will mark an area that will show the best place to insert the needle. After this, the area will be cleaned with special soap. The skin around the site will be numbed so you will have little pain. Most patients feel pressure, but not major pain. You may be positioned on your back, side, or stomach.
Under ultrasound, the tissue sample is withdrawn using a special needle. One to three samples may be taken. The tissue sample is then sent for exam under the microscope.
After the Biopsy
• A bandage will be put on the site where the tissue sample was taken. You will remain in bed for 2-4 hours. During this time if you need to get up to use the bathroom, you will be able to. Call the nurse for help if you need it. During this time your pulse, blood pressure, and biopsy site will be checked often. After 2-4 hours, you will be able to go home if there are no problems.
• After the local anesthetic wears off, you may feel some discomfort at the site. Your pain should not be severe, but is often described as somewhat sore. If you are having discomfort, use Tylenol up to 3 times daily. You may talk to the doctor or nurse if you have questions about the dose. The pain should go away within the first 24 hours.
• You will not be able to eat or drink for 1 hour after the procedure.
• Tell the nurse if you have new pain, nausea, vomiting, or chills.
Your Care at Home
You may eat or drink what you like once you arrive home. Do not drink alcohol for the first 24 hours.
Rest and take it easy for the first 24 hours. Do not lift greater than 10 pounds. Resume your normal routine after 24 hours.
You may remove the bandage over the site the next morning.
You may shower after 24 hours.
When to Call the Doctor
Call if you have any other questions or concerns, or if:
You have more than a teaspoon of bleeding at the site.
You feel dizzy, faint, or light-headed.
Your pain around the site gets worse rather than better 2-3 days later.
You are not feeling well and have a fever greater than 100.4 F (38°C).
Blood in your urine that is worsening after 2 days.
Phone Numbers
During the day (7:30am – 4:30pm) call the Ultrasound department (608) 262-5279 or nurse (608) 261-5634.
If you live out of the area, call toll free: 1-800-323-8942. Ask for Ultrasound.
Evenings and weekends call your local doctor or go to your local emergency room.
Your doctor will discuss the results with you when they are available.
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 © 01/18/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6133
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