TRUS Guided Prostate Biopsy
TRUS-Guided Prostate Biopsy in Toronto
A quick and essential diagnostic tool – prostate biopsy helps detect cancer early, guiding the best treatment plan for you.
At Urology Innovations Canada, our TRUS-guided prostate biopsy combines real-time transrectal ultrasound imaging with a transperineal needle approach. Unlike traditional transrectal biopsies, this technique avoids puncturing the rectal wall, significantly reducing the risk of infection while improving access to all regions of the prostate.
Why is a Biopsy Recommended?
A prostate biopsy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure used to determine whether cancer cells are present in the prostate. A biopsy may be suggested if:
- A PSA test shows elevated levels (Note: Elevated PSA does not always mean cancer);
- A digital rectal exam (DRE) reveals an abnormality;
- Other risk factors, such as family history, suggest the need for further investigation.
Hearing that you need a biopsy can feel unsettling, but it’s an important step in confirming or ruling out prostate cancer. A biopsy provides a definitive answer and ensures that if a treatment is needed, it is tailored to your specific case.
The procedure is quick, performed under local anesthesia, and provides the most accurate way to reach a diagnosis early.
What is a TRUS-Guided Prostate Biopsy?
TRUS stands for transrectal ultrasound. This technology helps your doctor visualize the prostate using ultrasound imaging, ensuring precise placement of the biopsy needle.
How it works:
- An ultrasound probe is gently inserted into the rectum to capture live images of the prostate;
- Small samples (or cores) are taken from different areas of the prostate to ensure an accurate diagnosis;
- The procedure typically takes about 20 minutes.
This method allows for targeted sampling, increasing accuracy and reducing unnecessary tissue removal.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
A small ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to produce real-time images of the prostate.
Using these images, biopsy needles are precisely inserted through the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus).
Several tissue samples (cores) are collected from different areas of the prostate to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
The transperineal approach avoids the rectum, lowering the risk of infection and allowing more comprehensive sampling.
The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes.
You’ll remain in the clinic for approximately 15 minutes after the biopsy for observation after which you will be discharged.
To ensure a smooth procedure and recovery, follow these guidelines:
Medication Adjustments
Inform your doctor if you take blood thinners (e.g., Coumadin, Warfarin, Aspirin). You may need to stop taking them 10 days before your biopsy.
Tylenol is safe for pain relief.
Preventing Infection
Start taking prescribed antibiotics the day before your biopsy and continue as instructed.
Bowel Preparation
The night before your biopsy, use a Rectal Fleet Enema or take an Oral Dulcolax tablet to prepare for the ultrasound probe.
Diet & Hydration
You can eat and drink normally before the procedure.
Most men resume normal activities the same day, but mild side effects are common.
Pain Relief
You may feel soreness for a few days. Avoid aspirin and blood-thinning medications to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Bleeding
It is normal to notice some blood in your urine, stool, or semen for up to 2-4 weeks.
Sexual Activity
Avoid sexual activity for at least 24 hours after your biopsy.
Watch for Warning Signs
In rare cases, complications like infection or difficulty urinating can occur. Go to the emergency department immediately if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Burning or difficulty urinating
- Fever, chills, or shaking
Your biopsy results will be available in approximately two weeks. You must follow up with your teating urologist to discuss the findings.
If cancer cells are found, you have multiple treatment options. Urology Innovations Canada specializes in minimally invasive prostate cancer treatments, offering effective alternatives to surgery and radiation while maintaining the quality of life.
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