What position is commonly used during a kidney biopsy to minimize bleeding risk?

What position is commonly used during a kidney biopsy to minimize bleeding risk?

• A. Supine position
• B. Prone position
• C. Lateral decubitus
• D. Sims' position

Answer: (B)

During a percutaneous renal biopsy, the goal is a direct, posterior route to the kidney so the needle tract is short and straight and bleeding can be controlled quickly. Placing the patient in the prone position exposes the kidney from the back, allowing access to the lower pole through a posterior approach while keeping intraperitoneal organs out of the immediate path. After the sample is taken, the clinician can apply direct manual pressure over the puncture site to tamponade any bleeding as the needle is withdrawn, further reducing bleeding risk. Other positions would complicate access and make hemostasis less reliable, whereas the prone position provides both favorable anatomy and immediate control of the biopsy site.

During a percutaneous renal biopsy, the goal is a direct, posterior route to the kidney so the needle tract is short and straight and bleeding can be controlled quickly. Placing the patient in the prone position exposes the kidney from the back, allowing access to the lower pole through a posterior approach while keeping intraperitoneal organs out of the immediate path. After the sample is taken, the clinician can apply direct manual pressure over the puncture site to tamponade any bleeding as the needle is withdrawn, further reducing bleeding risk. Other positions would complicate access and make hemostasis less reliable, whereas the prone position provides both favorable anatomy and immediate control of the biopsy site.