Page 1 - Prostate Ultrasound and Biopsies

Urological Health
Prostate ultrasound
and biopsies
Prostate ultrasound examination and biopsies are useful in investigating suspected cases of
prostate cancer.
ou have been found to have an abnormality of
Ythe prostate gland or a high PSA blood test result.
Prostate ultrasound examination and biopsies have
been recommended to determine the possibility of
prostate cancer.
The prostate is a small gland, normally the size of a
chestnut, located below the bladder and surrounding
the urinary passage (urethra).Its function is to secrete
part of the semen produced at ejaculation.
bladder
prostate
urethra
Prostate cancer normally grows slowly until it becomes
detectable by finger examination of the prostate —
digital rectal examination (DRE) — or by an abnormal
blood test reading of the prostate specific antigen
(PSA) level.
The abnormality found at a DRE or the elevation in the
PSA level may be due to a prostatic problem other
than cancer, such as infection or non-cancerous
prostatic enlargement.
The examination
Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) examination involves
passing a narrow probe through the anus into the
rectum, much like a DRE. Prostate ultrasound imaging
allows the examiner to measure the prostate size
and assess its texture. Biopsies (tissue samples) are
obtained using a spring-loaded device that passes
a thin needle into the prostate through the lining of
the rectum. Although you will be aware of the biopsy
procedure, there is generally not significant pain.
Normally, multiple biopsies are obtained from different
locations within the prostate.
The tissue removed at biopsy is preserved and will
be examined under a microscope to determine
if prostate cancer is present. This report should be
available within a few weeks.
The risk of bleeding is increased in patients taking
blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications
and many herbal supplements. These drugs should
normally be stopped prior to the procedure. Most
doctors recommend that you avoid aspirin or anti-
inflammatory drugs for one week prior to your biopsy
procedure. If you are taking the blood-thinners such
as warfarin (Coumadin ), clopidogrel (Plavix ), or
®
®
dabigatran (Pradax ), you must ask your urologist for
®
specific instructions.
Antibiotic drugs have been prescribed for you to
prevent infection after the biopsies. Please take all
of the pills as directed by your urologist. You may be
prescribed an enema to cleanse your bowels before
the procedure.
A urologist or ultrasound specialist will carry out your
examination. You will be asked to lie on your side on
a stretcher. Local anesthetic may be used to “freeze”
the prostate. The ultrasound probe will then be
introduced through the anus into the rectum to view
the prostate as the biopsies are performed.
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