Ultrasound Guided Biopsy Kidney Mass

Procedure date: _____ Time: ______ am/pm
Your doctor has scheduled a biopsy of an area on one of your kidneys. When you arrive for your procedure, please register at Radiology G3/3 on the 3rd floor. Before the biopsy, our doctors will explain what will happen, answer any questions, and ask you to sign a consent form.

Biopsy
A biopsy is removing a small tissue sample from the area of concern. The procedure is guided using ultrasound. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create a detailed image of an organ. No radiation or “x-ray” is used.

Getting Ready

Driver
Arrange for an adult to drive you home in case you receive any medicines.

Blood Thinners
Please tell us if you take blood thinners such as Coumadin® (warfarin), Heparin, Plavix®, Pradaxa®, ibuprofen, Naproxen, low molecular heparin injections (Fragmin® or Lovenox®) or daily aspirin. Someone from ultrasound will call your doctor and let you know when you should stop and restart taking blood thinners.

Diabetes
If you have diabetes, please call your doctor to discuss your medicine dosage. Test your blood sugar more often when you can’t eat and before the procedure. If your blood sugar level is low (less than 70 mg/dl) or you have symptoms, eat some glucose tablets or drink 4 ounces of a clear liquid with sugar. Always recheck your blood sugar level to make sure it stays above 70. We may still be able to do the procedure unless you need to eat solid food to keep your blood sugar at a normal level.
If your blood sugar ever gets too high or too low and you can’t bring it back to normal, call your local doctor or diabetes doctor.

• Diet

• Stop eating at ________ the day of the procedure.

• You may drink clear liquids until _______ the day of the procedure. Clear liquids include black coffee, tea, water and juices without pulp that you can see through.
  

Day of the Procedure

Before the Biopsy
We will take your vital signs to make sure you are safe to have the procedure and can be sedated. Please tell the nurse if you have sleep apnea.

You are prepared for the procedure in our prep and recovery area before your biopsy. We will start an IV that is used to give you medicine and fluids. You may have lab tests done. We may draw blood for a platelet count and INR. This will be done when your IV is started or in some cases this will be done in the lab before registration.

During the Biopsy
You will stay awake for the biopsy. You may get medicines in your IV before the procedure to make you comfortable. You may be positioned on your back, side, or stomach.

After looking at your x-rays, the radiologist will use ultrasound to find and mark the best place to insert the needle. This area is cleaned with special soap.

Under ultrasound, the tissue sample is taken out using a special needle. Most patients feel pressure, but the skin is numbed so you will not feel pain. One to three samples may be taken sent to the lab.

After the Biopsy
You will return to the prep and recovery area. You will remain in bed for 2-4 hours. During this time you are able to get up to use the bathroom. Call the nurse if you need help. Do not eat or drink for the first hour.

Your nurse will check your pulse, blood pressure, and biopsy site. Tell your nurse if you have new pain, nausea, vomiting, or chills. If you do not have any problems after 2-4 hours, you can go home.

Home Care

• Use Tylenol up to 3 times a day for pain. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have questions about the dose. Pain should go away within 24 hours.

• You may eat or drink what you like once you arrive home. Do not drink alcohol for the first 24 hours.

• Rest and take it easy for 24 hours. Do not lift more than 10 pounds. Resume your normal routine after 24 hours.

• You may remove the bandage over the site the next morning.

• You may shower after 24 hours.

• You should not drive or make important personal or business decisions until the next day.
  

Results
Your doctor will discuss the results with you when they are ready.

When to Call
Call if you have any other questions or concerns, or if:

• You have more than a teaspoon of bleeding at the site.

• You feel dizzy, faint, or light-headed.

• Your pain around the site gets worse rather than better 2-3 days later.

• You do not feel well and have a fever over 100.4 F (38 C).

• You have blood in your urine that is getting worse after 2 days.
  

Who to Call
Ultrasound Department
Weekdays, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
(608) 262-5279

Radiology Nurse
(608) 261-5634

The toll-free number is: 1-800-323-8942. Ask for Ultrasound.

Evenings and weekends call your local doctor or go to your local emergency room.