[Percutaneous kidney biopsy. Evaluation of a diagnostic method]

The evaluation of the results of nearly 800 percutaneous renal biopsies, including biopsies in which insufficient renal tissue was obtained or histologic changes were non-specific, indicated that in 85% of the cases a positive diagnosis could be made. The liberal extension of the indication to percutaneous renal biopsy to include oligosymptomatic renal diseases, the nephrotic syndrome and acute renal failure often resulted in therapeutic and prognostic consequences. Renal biopsy does not facilitate the diagnosis of pyelonephritis. Uremia, severe atherosclerosis, small kidneys, advanced age and lack of cooperation are not contraindications to percutaneous renal biopsy nor do they increase its risk. Severe complications are extremely rare and are always secondary to retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Close observation and prompt treatment can always preclude a fatal outcome. Long-term complications are not to be expected. If the technique of percutaneous renal biopsy and its histologic evaluation are efficiently performed, further extension of the indications to biopsy could be medically sanctioned.