Objective To compare the successful rate and security of percutaneous renal biopsy under transient intravenous anesthesia and traditional local anesthesia in children.  Methods Clinical and pathological data of children patients (less than 12 years old) undergoing ultrasound-guided renal biopsy with intravenous anesthesia from June 1

2006 to May 30

2007 in our department (Painless group) were compared with those of traditional local anaesthesia for renal biopsy from January 1

1999 and May 30

2006 (local anaesthesia group). In painless group

fentanyl citrate (50 μg for less than 60 kg in body weight

and 75 μg for those over 60 kg) were injected intravenously

then diprivan was injected intravenously till the end of lash reflex (usually 140-150 mg)

and the puncture was performed when the child got complete narcosis. In local anaesthesia group

2% lidocaine was applied for local anaesthesia

rapid puncture was performed when the children were asked to hold the breath. Successful rate (those getting more than 15 glomeruli) and the complications were observed.  Results The punctures in painless group were done successfully with glomeruli number of 8 to 49 [mean (23.3±10.0)]

and only 1 case got 8 glomeruli; while in local anesthesia group

the glomerulus number was 0-40 [mean (23.2±9.4)]

with no difference between the 2 group. But in local anesthesia group

2 biopsies were abandoned due to bad cooperation caused by supertension

and 2 cases obtained less than 15 glomeruli. Successful rate was 96.3% and 82.6% respectively in the 2 groups. The complications of anaesthesia in 2 groups: the analepsia time in painless group was 2-5 min

and respiratory depression took place in 1 case who got better soon after the oxygen intake was increased and the respiratory tract was unobstructed; 2 cases in local anesthesia group presented discomfort of chest distress

sweat

and fluster etc. which got better after rest. There was no difference in the incidence of gross hematuria and perirenal hematoma.  Conclusion Compared with traditional renal biopsy in local anesthesia

transient intravenous anesthesia is safe and reliable to perform for renal biopsy in children.