Decision Report 201809951

Summary

Mr C complained about the treatment he received at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital when he attended for a kidney biopsy. Mr C said that the doctor performing the procedure was unsuccessful in obtaining the tissue sample and that a consultant had to complete the procedure. Mr C subsequently went on to suffer a bleed from the site of the biopsy and required a blood transfusion. Mr C felt that the procedure may have been carried out incorrectly.

We took independent advice from a consultant nephrologist (doctor specialising in medical treatment of the kidneys). We found that Mr C had suffered from a recognised complication of the kidney biopsy procedure. Initially the procedure was carried out by a trainee under consultant supervision but when difficulties were encountered, it was appropriate for the consultant to complete the procedure which was successful. While minor bleeding can occur at the site of the biopsy needle, on occasions more significant bleeding can happen. This was the case with Mr C, and it was not an indication that the procedure had been carried out incorrectly. We also found that the risks of the procedure were explained to Mr C and appropriate consent was obtained. We did not uphold the complaint.