Gastrointestinal complications following percutaneous kidney biopsy

In most institutions, a percutaneous kidney biopsy is considered a safe procedure. However, multiple complications involving other organ systems have been reported. We present two cases in which complications following renal biopsy involved the gastrointestinal tract. The first case was manifested by pancreatitis and the formation of a pancreatic pseudocyst. The second case involved perforation of the small bowel. Neither patient required surgical intervention; both were managed conservatively and the outcome was excellent.