[Renal biopsy: standard procedure of modern nephrology]

For more than 50 years, renal biopsy has been an important diagnostic procedure in modern nephrology. Increasing perfection of the biopsy technique has made the procedure very safe, with rare complications and few contraindications. Improved histological diagnostics and broader therapeutic possibilities have significantly expanded the indications. The most important indications are acute renal failure, proteinuria > 1 g/d (or 3 g/d) and nephritic urinary sediment. Complications with renal grafts provide additional indications for a renal biopsy. In addition, diabetes and monosymptomatic urinfindings (isolated haematuria) as well as pregnancy induced nephropathy are indications for a renal biopsy. The procedure is performed ambulatory or during a short hospital stay and the patient can usually be discharged after a monitoring period of eight hours.