Arteriovenous Fistula and Pseudoaneurysm: Two Important But Rare Complications of Percutaneous Renal Biopsy and Safety of the 16 G Automated Biopsy Needle

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of 16 G automated biopsy needles, and the incidence of AVF and pseudoaneurysm in patients undergoing renal biopsy. MATERIAL and METHODS: Patients who underwent renal biopsy from January 2010 to December 2012 were prospectively evaluated. Color Doppler USG, hemoglobin and platelet counts, spot urine analysis were performed perormed before and after the biopsy procedure, AVF and pseudoaneurysm that developed secondary to percutaneous renal biopsy were evaluated by Doppler USG at 12 h, and 24 h, and 6 and 12 months after biopsy. RESULTS: Postbiopsy small perirenal, subcapsular, or parenchymal bleeding without clinical relevance were detected in 59 patients (89.2 %) 12 and 24 hours after procedure. RBC counts per high power field increased significantly after the procedure in all subjects (p<0.05). Significant retroperitoneal bleeding, macroscopic hematuria, arteriovenous malformation, and pseudoaneurysm were not detected in our cohort. Glomeruli counts were acceptable in all subjects. CONCLUSION: To optimize safety, patient comfort, and diagnostic yield, a 16 G automated biopsy needle with real-time U/S guidance may be prefered as the standard approach.