TRANS-RECTAL ULTRASOUND (TRUS) & BIOPSY OF THE PROSTATE

• A biopsy is performed to determine if there is cancer present in the prostate gland. Multiple small “cores” of prostate tissue are taken from different areas of the gland and sent to a pathologist for examination. An ultrasound probe is used to visualise the gland and determine which part of the prostate the biopsies are taken from.
• If there is a significant cancer present, a prostate biopsy is approximately 85-90% accurate in finding it. Because it is a sampling process, some small cancers may be missed on initial biopsy. However, ongoing surveillance will usually pick up any undetected cancer when it is still at an early stage.
• Blood in the semen, urine and rectum can occur after a prostate biopsy but the risk of serious bleeding is rare (about 1 in 2000 men).
• Serious infection requiring admission to hospital can occur as a result of a prostate biopsy, but the risk is low (about 1 in 250 men).
• Please make sure you have been provided with antibiotic tablets that you should start taking the day before your biopsy.
• You should advise Dr Patel if you are taking any medications that can thin the blood (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs) or cause increased bleeding.

ADVICE AFTER PROSTATE BIOPSY

• Avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting for a couple of days after your biopsy. You can eat and drink as normal straight after a biopsy.
• Finish all the antibiotic tablets that you have been prescribed, and maintain a good fluid intake.
• It is normal to see a small amount of blood when you pass urine for up to 1-3 weeks after the biopsy. Usually this is at the start or beginning of passing urine. It is also normal to experience a small amount of bleeding from the rectum or “back passage” for 1-2 days after your biopsy.
• Blood or brownish discoloration will be in your semen for up to 6-8 weeks after a biopsy. It can take about 20 ejaculations before the semen looks clear again. However, this is not dangerous and it is quite safe to continue your normal sexual activities with no increased danger to your partner.
• If you feel unwell in any way or have any heavy bleeding after leaving hospital, you should contact Dr Patel’s office or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department.

Please make sure that you have made arrangements with Dr Patel to find out your biopsy results.