(Transrectal Biopsy; Transurethral Biopsy; Transperineal Biopsy)
Definition
Definition
A prostate biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue from the prostate gland. The tissue is examined to determine whether there is cancer.
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Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
A prostate biopsy is usually done after an abnormal finding by:
- Digital rectal exam
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test
A prostate biopsy is the only way to find out if cancer cells are present.
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Infection
- Bruising or lengthy bleeding from the rectum, or in urine or semen
- Difficulty urinating
- Reactions to anesthesia
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
- Smoking
- History of bleeding disorders or easy bruising
- Use of any medications, over-the-counter medications, or herbal supplements
- Sensitivity or allergy to latex, medications, or anesthesia
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
You may be asked to do the following:
- Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.
- Begin taking an antibiotic.
- Use an enema several hours before the procedure.
- If you will be getting general anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia depends on the method that your doctor uses:
-
Transurethral biopsy and perineal biopsy:
- General anesthesia—Blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the surgery. This will be used for a transrectal prostate biopsy.
- Local anesthesia—Just the area that is being operated on is numbed, given as an injection and may also be given with a sedative.
Description of the Procedure
Your doctor will use one of the following methods to do the biopsy:
- Transrectal biopsy (most common method)—Your doctor will insert a small ultrasound device into the rectum. This device will produce sound waves to create an image of the prostate. These images will help guide placement of the needle. Your doctor will then insert the needle through the wall of the rectum and into the prostate gland.
- Transurethral biopsy—Your doctor will insert a lighted flexible tube through the penis into the urethra. The urethra carries urine from the bladder. Your doctor will get the biopsy with a cutting loop that is passed through the flexible tube.
- Perineal biopsy—Your doctor will make a small incision in the perineum. The perineum is the area between the scrotum and the rectum. The doctor will insert a small needle into the prostate gland to get the biopsy.
How Long Will It Take?
About 30 minutes
Will It Hurt?
You may have discomfort and soreness at the biopsy site. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.
Postoperative Care
When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids for the next few days.
- Avoid difficult physical activity the day and evening of the procedure.
- Keep in mind that you may see blood in your urine, stool, or semen for several days.
- Resume any medications that were stopped when you are advised to do so.
After the sample is taken, it will be sent to a pathologist for examination under a microscope. This doctor will analyze the sample for cancer. If cancer is present, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
- Inability to urinate
- Blood in the urine more than 2-3 days post-biopsy
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given
- Pain, burning, urgency, or frequency of urination
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Rectal bleeding that lasts more than 2-3 days after the biopsy
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
Urology Care Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/prostate-cancer/causes
Updated April 2014. Accessed September 25, 2014.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed? American Cancer Society website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/detailedguide/prostate-cancer-diagnosis
Updated September 12, 2014. Accessed September 15, 2014.
Prostate biopsy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated August 11, 2014. Accessed September 25, 2014.
Rodriguez LV, Terris MK. Risks and complications of transrectal ultrasound guided prostate needle biopsy: a prospective study and review of the literature. J Urol. 1998;160(6-I):2115-2120.
Tiong HY, Liew LC, Samuel M, Consigliere D, Esuvaranathan K. A meta-analysis of local anesthesia for transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2007;10(2):127-136.
Understanding prostate changes: A health guide for men. National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/understanding-prostate-changes
Accessed September 25, 2014.
6/3/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, et al. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.
Last Updated: 9/30/2013