Procedures

A Prostate Biopsy is a procedure that is performed to rule out cancer of the prostate. A biopsy of the prostate is the only means of diagnosing prostate cancer. However, since only a portion of the prostate is sampled, it is possible that a biopsy can miss a cancer.

Indications

• Abnormal Digital Rectal Examination
• Elevated PSA

Procedure

Two hours prior to the procedure, the patient will use an enema to clean out the rectum. During the procedure, an ultrasound probe is placed into the rectum while the patient lies on the exam table. Images are made of the prostate, and the prostate is measured. A local anesthetic is injected at the base of the prostate, providing a nerve block. Most patients should not experience pain during the biopsy, but will sense the probe in their rectum. Once the patient has been given the anesthetic, tissue specimens are taken from select locations in the prostate with a specialized biopsy needle. The entire procedure lasts about ten minutes. The patient is able to go home a few minutes after the procedure is completed; however, it is important that the patient brings a driver with them to the procedure. The results usually arrive back in our office within five to seven business days.

Patients must follow the prostate biopsy instructions prior to this procedure.
*IMPORTANT* the patient will need to stop taking blood thinners or aspirin 7 days prior to the procedure.

Side Effects

When the probe is placed, the patient may experience some discomfort, even thought the probe does not go any farther than when the physician performs a rectal examination. Almost all patients will see some blood or dark streaks in their ejaculate after a biopsy. This may take several weeks to clear up in entirety. Many patients may see some blood in their bowel movements or even their urine after a prostate biopsy, which will usually clear up within a few days. Occasionally, a patient may experience difficulty urinating after their biopsy. Even though patients are given antibiotics prior to the biopsy and after the biopsy, on rare occasions an infection may develop. Please contact our office immediately if a fever develops that is greater than 101 degrees, and/or increased pelvic pain.