Downloadable brochure - Transrectal Ultrasound and Biopsy
What is a Transrectal Ultrasound?
A Transrectal Ultrasound creates images of the human body by sending high-frequency sound waves into the area of interest and receiving echoes returning from the tissues. The sound waves are sent through a transducer (the part of the ultrasound machine that touches you).
In men, pelvic ultrasound is a valuable tool for evaluating the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. A pelvic ultrasound examination can help identify stones, tumours and other disorders in the bladder in both men and women.
In some cases examination of the prostate gland can be performed via pelvic ultrasound, transabdominally (with the transducer being placed on the stomach). However, due to the location of the prostate gland, which is directly in front of the rectum, ultrasound examination of this area is often performed transrectally (through the rectum).
Because ultrasound provides real-time images, it can also be used to guide procedures, such as needle biopsies. A needle biopsy is when a needle is used to sample cells from an abnormal area of the prostate for laboratory testing. Please note, biopsy procedures require a referral from a specialist.
Preparation
When a pelvic ultrasound examination is requested, you will be advised of the appropriate preparation when making your appointment.
When a transrectal ultrasound examination is requested, no preparation is required.
When a prostate biopsy is requested, you will be required to attend the Queensland X-Ray practice, where your appointment has been made, a few days before your procedure. At this time, you will be interviewed by a radiologist (a doctor who specialises in medical imaging) and issued with a prescription for antibiotics (to be started two days prior to the biopsy appointment). One hour before the appointment, a small microlax suppository is inserted. The nurse may administer some mild sedation prior to the biopsy to reduce pain and anxiety.
Procedure
A disposable protective cover is placed over the ultrasound transducer, lubricated and then placed into the rectum. This is no more uncomfortable than the rectal examination performed by your doctor. The procedure is generally performed with the patient lying with his left side down on the table and his knees drawn up slightly toward the chest.
If a suspicious lesion has been identified with ultrasound or during a rectal examination, an ultrasound-guided biopsy can be performed. With the ultrasound transducer in place, the radiologist places a thin needle into the prostate gland. A small amount of tissue is taken from different sites within the prostate for microscopic examination.
Discomfort experienced during the biopsy, due to the needle insertion, is usually minimal because the rectal wall is relatively insensitive. A small degree of discomfort may be experienced after the procedure which usually improves within 48 hours. There may be some bleeding (in the urine, semen and stools) associated with the biopsy. This usually settles within a couple of days. You will need to arrange to have someone accompany you home after this procedure.
Examination and Reporting Time
The procedure usually takes approximately 30 minutes. A biopsy is an additional 10 minutes to the ultrasound procedure time. You can either wait for your results or alternative arrangements can be made to collect them at a later stage.