Human kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that play an important role in filtering waste products and excess fluids from your blood. When these vital organs malfunction, it can lead to a variety of health problems. While blood and urine tests along with imaging techniques can provide initial clues, a kidney biopsy often becomes the ideal standard for diagnosing the specific type of renal disease and the stages of renal disease that is affecting you.
What is a kidney biopsy?
A kidney biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure where a doctor extracts a small sample of tissue from your kidney. This sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist who can identify abnormalities and pinpoint the type of kidney disease you may be dealing with.
There are two main types of kidney biopsies:
Percutaneous biopsy:
This is the most common type, where a thin needle is inserted through your skin and guided by ultrasound or X-ray to collect the tissue sample.
Open biopsy:
This is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia where a small incision is made in your abdomen to access the kidney directly.
Reach out to the best kidney doctor in Coimbatore if you are looking to undergo a kidney biopsy.
When is a kidney biopsy recommended?
A kidney biopsy is not a routine test. Doctors usually recommend it when other diagnostic methods are inconclusive or fail to provide a clear picture of the underlying problem. Here are some common reasons a doctor might suggest a kidney biopsy:
Unexplained changes in blood or urine tests:
Blood tests that reveal abnormal levels of creatinine or urea nitrogen, or urine tests that show presence of blood or protein can indicate kidney abnormalities. A biopsy can determine the causes of chronic renal failure.
Rapidly progressive kidney disease:
A sudden decline in kidney function requires prompt diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment.
Suspected glomerular disease:
Glomeruli are tiny filters within the kidneys. A biopsy can help diagnose diseases affecting these filters such as glomerulonephritis.
Unexplained kidney pain or abnormal imaging:
While imaging techniques like ultrasound or CT scans can reveal structural abnormalities, a biopsy helps understand the underlying cause.
Monitoring a transplanted kidney:
After a kidney transplant, a biopsy can be used to monitor the health of the new organ and detect signs of rejection.
How does a kidney biopsy help diagnose renal disease?
The kidney biopsy sample is carefully examined by a pathologist under a microscope. The pathologist can analyze various aspects of the tissue, including:
Cell structure and morphology:
Looking for abnormalities in the size, shape, and arrangement of cells can provide clues about the type of disease.
Presence of inflammation:
Inflammation within the kidney tissue can indicate an autoimmune or immune-complex mediated disease.
Scarring and fibrosis:
The extent of scarring can help determine the severity of kidney damage.
Deposits of abnormal substances:
Certain diseases may cause the deposition of specific substances like immune complexes or amyloid in the kidney tissue.
By analyzing these features, the pathologist can provide a definitive diagnosis of the specific type of renal disease affecting you. This information is important to determine the best course of treatment.
Here are some best examples of how a kidney biopsy aids in diagnosing specific renal diseases:
Glomerulonephritis:
This group of diseases affects the glomeruli. A biopsy can identify the specific type of glomerulonephritis, such as IgA nephropathy or membranous nephropathy, which help guide treatment decisions.
Lupus nephritis:
This kidney complication of lupus can be diagnosed with a biopsy that reveals specific immune deposits in the kidney tissue.
Diabetic nephropathy:
While it does not provide a definitive diagnosis, a biopsy can help assess the severity of kidney damage caused by diabetes.
What are the benefits of undergoing a kidney biopsy?
The primary benefit of a kidney biopsy is its ability to provide an accurate diagnosis on the specific type of renal disease. In case you are looking to undergo a kidney biopsy, the kidney biopsy test cost in Coimbatore is quite affordable This information helps your doctor to:
Develop a targeted treatment plan:
The specific type of kidney disease determines the most effective treatment approach.
Monitor disease progression:
A biopsy can be used to track the progress of the disease and assess the response to treatment.
Determine the prognosis:
Understanding the type and severity of the disease helps predict the long-term outcome.
Important Takeaway:
Kidney biopsy is an ideal way to identify several kidney disorders and help in treatment decisions.