Laparoscopically assisted percutaneous renal biopsy

We performed laparoscopically assisted percutaneous renal biopsy on 4 patients with azotemia or renal dysfunction who were believed to be unsuitable candidates for percutaneous renal biopsy. Tissue adequate for diagnosis was obtained in all 4 cases. Complications included subcutaneous emphysema in 1 patient and a small splenic capsular tear in 1, which was managed laparoscopically and did not require transfusion. Bleeding from the renal biopsy occurred in 1 patient and was easily managed laparoscopically. We recommend laparoscopically assisted percutaneous renal biopsy as an alternative method of renal biopsy in patients who can tolerate general anesthesia and who are not candidates for percutaneous renal biopsy.