[Complications of percutaneous renal biopsy: an analysis of 1000 consecutive biopsies]

The complications of percutaneous renal biopsies in 1000 cases are analysed in this paper. Because the modern techniques for biopsy localization and operation were used, both accidental puncture of other organs and infection were avoided. However, the hemorrhage of renal wound was still a predominate complication. Gross hematuria developed in 7.4% of biopsies, perirenal hematomas 4.4% of biopsies, and serious renal bleeding complications, including arteriovenous fistula, requiring transfusion of more than 1000 ml of blood were detected in 0.6% of biopsies. In this paper the manifestations, diagnosis and treatment for every renal bleeding complication are discussed. It is emphasized that renal arteriography should be done for the patients with persistent or recurrent renal hemorrhage, and that selective arterial embolization by using self-blood coagulative pieces should be considered before deciding surgical correction of these serious bleeding complications.