[Percutaneous renal biopsy using Biopty biopsy instrument and Biopty biopsy needle]

We assessed the clinical usefulness of Biopty biopsy instrument & Biopty biopsy needle in percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) compared with Tru-cut disposable needle and Vim-Silvermann needle. Sixty cases, each consisting 20 cases, were performed PRB by 3 different needles. There was no significant differences between Biopt y-cut needle and Tru-cut needle in the length of renal biopsy tissue and number of glomeruli obtained. The frequency of clinical complications such as fever, flank pain and decrease in Ht greater than 2% was lower in Biopty needle group after PRB. The frequency of middle and large size of hematoma was also lower in Biopty needle group after PRB. We could also obtain specimen from transplanted kidney without complications except small hematoma. From three results, Biopty biopsy needle is a useful tool in performing PRB.