After the core tissue samples are extracted, pressure is applied to the incision to slow bleeding, and a bandage is placed on the wound. The patient must lie on his or her back for 8 to 24 hours. Some nephrologists advocate a 24-hour recovery in the hospital, where the patient can be observed for complications. The kidney contains many blood vessels and bleeds as a result of the biopsy. If blood is seen in the urine after 24 hours, further care may be required to stop the bleeding.
Many people experience muscle aches and general soreness during recovery.
The risks of general anesthesia usually outweigh the risks of a closed biopsy. Other Types of Biopsy Other types of biopsy, such as transjugular and laparoscopic, are performed on patients with bleeding disorders, tumor, obesity, or a solitary kidney. These are done as outpatient procedures, under general anesthesia. Transjugular biopsy , also called transvenous, involves inserting a small tube through the jugular vein in the neck and guiding it to the kidney using ultrasound. A biopsy needle is passed through the tube to the kidney to obtain a tissue sample.