Why is this procedure done?
The prostate is a part of the mans body that helps make semen. The prostate is located at the base of the penis and in front of the rectum. ‚
Prostate biopsy is done: ‚
- To help your doctor know if the lump or tumor in your prostate is cancer or not.
- If your blood test, called PSA or prostate specific antigen, is high. High PSA in the blood means disease in the prostate.
During a prostate biopsy, the doctor uses a needle to collect a piece of tissue from the prostate. The doctor sends the tissue to the lab. The lab then checks the tissue for infection or cancer. ‚
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What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding like Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Do not stop taking any drugs without talking to your doctor.
- If you take blood thinner drugs and you have a stent in place. Be sure you talk to your doctor who placed the stent before you stop your blood thinner drugs.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Digital rectal exam ¢ ˆ ’ You would be asked to bend over a table or to lie on your side holding your knees close to your chest. The doctor would put a finger into your rectum to feel the prostate.
- PSA blood test
- Urine test
- Ultrasound
- Your doctor may have you do a cleansing enema before your procedure. Talk to your doctor about how to do the enema.
- Your doctor may give you drugs to prevent infection.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Most often, this test is done as an outpatient in your doctors office or at a surgery center.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are completely asleep.
- You will be asked to lie on your side with your knees drawn up towards your chin.
- Your doctor will clean your rectal opening.
- A numbing drug will be injected near your prostate under the scrotum.
- Your doctor may put a thin tube either through the rectum or the end of the penis. A needle is used to remove small pieces of tissue from the prostate. You may feel sudden movements and some pulling. A few samples will be removed.
- Your doctor will clean the site and put a bandage in place.
- The procedure takes about 15 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- If you have drugs to make you sleepy, you will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely.
- You will need to lie down for 30 to 60 minutes and your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing will be checked. Your site or bandage will be checked. When the bleeding stops, you will be able to go home.
- You may have pain and numbness after the procedure. The pain may get worse when the anesthesia wears off. Your doctor will give you drugs for the pain.
- Your doctor may give you drugs to prevent infection and to control pain. Make sure to take the drugs your doctor ordered for you.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection from the biopsy site
- Bleeding
- Tumor spread
- Very bad pain
- Bladder or rectum perforation
- Urinary tract infection
- Trouble passing urine
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced sexual activity
Where can I learn more?
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/medtestprostate/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚