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 un suitable candidates for percutaneous renal biopsy. Tissue adequate for diagnosis was obtained in all 4 cases. Complications included subcuta neous emphysema in 1 patient and a small splenic capsular tear in 1, w hich was managed laparoscopically and did not require transfusion. Ble eding from the renal biopsy occurred in 1 patient and was easily manag ed laparoscopically. We recommend laparoscopically assisted percutaneo us renal biopsy as an alternative method of renal biopsy in patients w ho can tolerate general anesthesia and who are not candidates for perc utaneous renal biopsy.