Discharge Instructions for Kidney Biopsy
You had a procedure called a kidney biopsy. Your doctor used a special needle to remove a small piece of tissue from your kidney to examine it for signs of damage and disease. A kidney biopsy is ordered after other tests have shown that there may be a problem with your kidney. Kidney biopsies are also performed when kidney disease is suspected and to rule out cancer.
Home Care
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Rest for 24–48 hours. Get up only to use the bathroom.
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Don’t drive for 24–48 hours after the procedure.
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Don’t shower for 24 hours after the biopsy. If you wish, you may wash yourself with a sponge or washcloth. When you are able to shower, don’t scrub the site. Gently wash the area and pat it dry.
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Remove the bandage covering the biopsy site 24–48 hours after the procedure.
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Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3–4 days after the procedure.
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Ask your doctor when you can return to work. Be sure to tell your doctor if your job involves heavy lifting.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
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Blood in your urine
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Exhaustion or extreme weakness
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Sudden or increased shortness of breath
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Sudden chest pain
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Fever of 100.4°F or higher, or chills
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Increasing redness, tenderness, or swelling at the biopsy site
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Opening of or drainage or bleeding from the biopsy site
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Increasing pain, with or without activity
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Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2006
Date Last Modified:
12/14/2007