Is a kidney biopsy usually painful?

Patients undergoing a kidney biopsy may feel a sharp pain that lasts for a few seconds during the insertion of the biopsy needle, states WebMD. A brief sting may also be experienced when the doctor injects the numbing medication before the start of the procedure.

During the renal biopsy procedure, some individuals may still feel pain despite the local anesthetic, notes Mayo Clinic. In this case, doctors may administer additional pain medication via an IV that is placed beforehand. Patients also normally experience some pain and soreness at the biopsy site for a few hours after the procedure and may need to take pain relievers.