Can We Cut Down on the Bed Rest After a Renal Biopsy?

According to a small Japanese study published in Clinical and Experimental Nephrology, the answer is yes. It appears a shorter period of strict bed rest after a renal biopsy is safe can also decrease patient discomfort post-procedure.

The study examined 94 consecutive patients undergoing a native renal biopsy at a hospital in Japan. The authors concluded that shortening the period of strict bed rest after renal biopsy from 7 hrs to 2 hrs decreased the incidence of back pain, but there was no increase in bleeding or other biopsy-related complications. The HMOs will be thrilled.