Transrectal Prostate Biopsy
A prostate biopsy is a procedure performed by a urologist to determine if cancer is present in a man's prostate. There are three methods by which these biopsies are performed.
The first, which is the most common, is the transrectal biopsy. This procedure is done through the man's rectum.
To begin the procedure, the patient will most likely lie down with his feet in stirrups or lie comfortably on his side with his top leg pulled forward. Occasionally, he might be asked to kneel.
The urologist will then clean and sterilize the anus and administer an anesthetic that will help ease the pain of the procedure.
An ultrasound machine is used to guide a thin needle into the rectum and into the prostate gland. This gives the doctor the ability to see your prostate and to ensure that the needle is being inserted successfully.
The needle is quickly inserted through the anus where it will penetrate the skin and prostate. The needle is usually a variety that is spring-loaded, meaning that the needle will enter very quickly. The needle is then drawn out. Inside the needle, a very small amount of prostate tissue is retrieved to be tested for cancer cells. During a typical rectal prostate biopsy, six to twelve samples are taken from several areas of the prostate. This is necessary because cancer cells can be found on any part of the prostate, so testing multiple areas ensures accuracy.
There may be a slight pinching feeling as the prostate biopsy samples are taken.
The entire procedure usually takes less than one hour and is done in an outpatient facility.
Patients should then rest for several hours after the procedure. Light bleeding from the rectum may occur for two to three days after the procedure.
Tranurethral Prostate Biopsy
Another option for prostate biopsies is to have access to the prostate through the urethra-- the opening in the penis through which semen and urine exit.
During a transurethral prostate biopsy, the patient lies on his back and his feet are held up in stirrups. General anesthesia or a spinal block is then administered.
An instrument called a cytoscope, which has a tiny light on its end, is then inserted into the urethra and fed into the cavity that houses the prostate gland. The doctor can visually inspect the prostate for lesions and take tissue samples (biopsies) via a small curette (cutting instrument) that is fed through the cytoscope.
As with a rectal prostate biopsy, the patient should rest and avoid strenuous activity for several hours after the procedure. Mild pain may be experienced for a few days following the procedure.
Transperineal Prostate Biopsy
Another form of prostate biopsy is the transperineal procedure, which is done by cutting a small incision into the patient's perineum (the area between the penis and the rectum). The doctor then inserts a finger into the patient's rectum to grab hold of the prostate gland and inserts a needle through the perineal incision to remove small pieces of tissue from the gland. Local anesthesia, and occasionally general anesthesia, may be used.
Transperineal biopsies are not as popular as transurethral and transrectal procedures.
Several hours of rest are advised to patients who undergo transperineal prostate biopsies. Localized pain may be experienced for a few days following the procedure.
Tags: after procedure, prostate biopsy, prostate gland, Biopsy Another, biopsy patient, cancer cells, days following