PATIENT GUIDE TO TRANSRECTAL ULTRASOUND
AND PROSTATE BIOPSY

WHAT IS TRANSRECTAL ULTRASOUND?

In this procedure, the doctor will insert a probe slightly larger than a pen into the rectum. The probe directs high-frequency sound waves at the prostate and the echo patterns form an image onto a monitor. This image shows how big the prostate is and whether there are any irregularities.

WHAT IS A PROSTATE BIOPSY?

The doctor will use the probe and the ultrasound images to guide a biopsy needle to the prostate. The needle has a chamber within it that will store samples of prostate tissue from different areas of the prostate. These tissue samples will be placed into a saltwater solution and sent to a pathologist for examination. The results of the pathology examination generally take a few days.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TEST?

You will remove your lower garments and lie on your side on the examination table. The probe will be inserted into your rectum and the biopsy needle will be passed through the probe into your prostate. This procedure takes about 15 minutes and you will be able to drive yourself home afterward.

PRE-TEST INSTRUCTIONS

Take the antibiotic that the doctor has given you the morning before the day of the exam and the morning of the exam. In the morning before the test, give yourself a Fleet’s enema, available at your pharmacy. That morning have clear liquids only and take your medications you take normally with the exception of aspirin, aspirin-like medications and blood thinners, these should not be taken for a week prior to the test.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

You will remain on antibiotics for a few days afterward. You may notice blood in your stool or urine or in your semen for up to two weeks after the procedure.