Safety and efficacy of biopsy of renal masses guided by ultrasound

Aim: Biopsy of renal masses has been controversially discussed since (1) a high percentage of lesions are thought to be malignant (2) the method is dangerous and (3) reveals a high rate of unconclusive findings. Recently a larger number of small renal tumors are reported at time of diagnosis with a relative high rate of benign lesions. Here we report on ultrasound-guided (us) renal biopsy of renal lesions to avoid operation. Patients and methods: 21 patients with suspected renal masses for us-guided tumor biopsy and 50 consecutive patients with diffuse renal disease for us-guided renal biopsy to compare complica…