What is ultrasound-guided transrectal prostate biopsy?

Prostate ultrasound-guided and biopsy both evaluate the abnormal results of a digital rectal exam or an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Prostate ultrasound involves a probe about the size of a finger that is inserted a short distance into the rectum. This probe produces harmless high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, that bounce off the surface of the prostate. The sound waves are recorded and transformed into video or photographic images of the prostate gland. The probe can provide images at different angles to help your doctor estimate the size of your prostate and detect any abnormal growths. A prostate biopsy uses transrectal ultrasound (through the rectum’s lining) imaging to guide several small needles through the rectum wall into areas of the prostate where abnormalities are detected. The needles remove a tiny amount of tissue. Usually six or more biopsies are taken to test various areas of the prostate. The tissue samples are then analyzed in a laboratory. The results will help doctors diagnose disorders and diseases in the prostate. If cancer is identified, the doctor will be able to grade the cancer and determine its aggressiveness or likelihood of spreading. Some doctors perform the biopsy through the perineum (skin between the scrotum and rectum).

Make sure to notify your doctor if you have heart or lung conditions or any other diseases, and if you are allergic to any types of medicine prior to the examination. A full medical history may be required by the doctor prior to the examination.

Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is carried out by the operative unit of Urology.

 

Standard of preparation

The patient is strictly adhere to the standards listed:

  • The patient should be preferably accompanied.
  • Bring along radiological examinations earlier, and the specialized tests (PSA, ultrasound, etc…) and the medical claim that specifies the indications of the exam.
  • The patient receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet (Aspirin, Coumadin, etc…) will have to ceases or change their treatment as indicated by the reference center.

 

The day before the examination:

  • Perform a cleansing enema with a liter of lukewarm water at night.
  • Take the antibiotic LEVOFLOXACIN cps 500 mg, 1 tablet.

 

The day of the examination:

  • Bring along the results of the test for the determination of PSA.
  • The patient must bring the results of the test for the determinations of complete, PT and the PTT performed no later than one month prior to this examination.
  • Take the antibiotic LEVOFLOXACIN cps 500 mg, 1 tablet.
  • Following consideration, the patient can if desired remain under observation at the hospital for a period ranging from 2 to 6 hours depending on the course.
  • Finally, the patient should remember to bring along water, at least 1.5 liters.

 

Five days after the examinations:

  • Take the antibiotic LEVOFLOXACIN cps 500mg, 1 tablet.

Any allergies to the medication must be reported to the specialist at the time of booking the exam. If the patient has not performed the above instructions, examination must necessarily be postponed for a later date.