complications

Last reviewed 01/2018

Complications reported, with approximate incidences, include:

  • macroscopic haematuria - 1:25
  • blood loss requiring transfusion - 1:150-300
  • clinically significant haematoma - 1:200
  • surgical intervention post-biopsy - 1:500-1000
  • infection - 1:700
  • loss of kidney - 1:1000
  • clinically significant arteriovenous fistula - 1:1000
  • death - 1:10,000
  • inadvertent biopsy of other organs - liver, spleen, pancreas, intestine, gallbladder, adrenals

Complications are more likely:

  • when biopsy is performed by junior staff
  • with older techniques