The use of the automatic core biopsy system in percutaneous renal biopsies: a comparative study

We describe our experience with the use of the automatic core biopsy system for percutaneous renal biopsy and compare this with our experience with a standard biopsy needle. Three hundred twenty-three biopsies were performed between June 1983 and January 1993. From June 1983 through October 1990, 232 biopsies were performed with the use of a standard biopsy needle (Tru-cut needle; Travenol Laboratories, Deerfield, IL) and from November 1990 through January 1993, 91 biopsies were conducted with the use of the automatic core biopsy system (Biopty gun and needle; C.R. Bard, Inc, Covington, GA). Biopsies performed prior to January 1990 were reviewed retrospectively, while those performed after January 1990 were reviewed in a prospective manner. The primary indications for renal biopsy were to evaluate proteinuria (48.9%) and renal manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (26.0%). The two groups of patients were similar with respect to sex, age, serum creatinine, and coagulation parameters. Material for light microscopy, immunofluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy was obtained in 98.9%, 98.9%, and 97.8% of cases, respectively, with the use of the automatic core biopsy system, and these values did not differ significantly from those with the use of the standard needle (99.6%, 96.1%, and 97.8%). Significantly more glomeruli were obtained by light microscopy per biopsy specimen with the use of the automatic core biopsy system versus the standard needle (28 +/- 15 and 21 +/- 13, respectively; P < 0.0001). Complications were assessed and separated by severity. Total complications were observed in 13 patients (14.3%) with the automatic core device and in 31 patients (13.4%) with the standard needle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)