Trans rectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate Biopsy

Why do you need this procedure:

An abnormal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood level or an abnormal digital rectal examination may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Your urologist has recommended that you undergo a TRUS-guided prostate biopsy to determine if there is cancer in your prostate.

What is a TRUS-guided prostate biopsy:

During a prostate biopsy, small tissue samples are taken from the prostate gland. For this procedure the doctor will pass a small ultrasound probe into your rectum to view the prostate. A needle will be passed through the probe into your prostate to remove the tissue samples. These samples are sent to a laboratory and viewed under a microscope to see if prostate cancer cells are present.

What should you do before the biopsy:

Do not take aspirin, aspirin-like medication (such as Advil Aleve, Goody’s powder or Motrin).
Tell your urologist if you take blood-thinning medications, such as Coumadin (Warfarin). Plavix (Clopidogrel), Persantine or Aggrenox (Dipyridamole).

Take the antibiotic that has been prescribed for you on the day of the biopsy.

Bring a family member or friend who can be responsible for your transportation home.

What can you expect after the biopsy:

Following the biopsy, do not perform any activity that requires heavy lifting or straining. You may resume your normal activities the day after the biopsy.

You may see a small amount of blood in your urine and/or semen and when you have a bowel movement (from rectal bleeding) for several days following the biopsy.

It helps to drink plenty of liquids (at least 8 glasses per day) for 1-2 days to clear your urine. You may see blood in your semen for up to 6 weeks.

If you experience fever, chills, fatigue, difficulty urinating or if the bleeding gets worse, contact you urologist immediately or visit your nearest clinic/hospital or GP.

When will you get your results:

It will take approximately 2-3 days to get you results from the laboratory. Your doctor will view them and will contact u if there are any abnormalities found that u should know about.