Prostate Biopsy

The samples are sent to a pathology laboratory where it is later analysed. Results are usually available in 2 to 3 days. The report will be sent to your referring doctor who will give these results to you.

The pathology company may also charge a gap for these services. Please discuss this with us if you have any questions.

Procedure

You will lie on the ultrasound bed on your side, and a sonographer will insert an ultrasound probe into the rectum. They may take some measurements and images. The radiologist will give you a local anaesthetic and then take several biopsy samples using the ultrasound probe to guide the needle. The number of samples taken can vary but will be at least six. Whilst uncomfortable, it is not usually painful.

Risks / Side Effects

In order to reach the prostate, the needle must pass through the bowel wall, which may introduce infection. If an infection is treated early, it should easily resolve. However, if untreated, it may lead to abscess formation and in rare cases, may be fatal.

To minimise the risk of infection, you will be given an antibiotic before the procedure, and a second antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin 500mg) to take at bedtime the night of your biopsy.

Some bleeding from the rectum, in the urine, or mixed with sperm, is common and should settle down with time.

Before your Scan

We advise that you stop taking any anticoagulant medication (e.g. Warfarin) for 1 week before the procedure. You will need to discuss this with your referring or local doctor first. If your doctor thinks it is not safe to stop your anticoagulation medication, they will need to discuss the biopsy request with a radiologist.

You need to arrive 1 hour before your procedure to take a dose of antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin 500mg). We will give you this antibiotic, although it may also be prescribed by your referring doctor.

Please note that the study cannot be done unless the antibiotics are taken 1 hour before the biopsy time.

Other Information

You must take your second antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin 500mg) before going to bed on the night of your biopsy.

Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after the biopsy.

You may experience some discomfort after the procedure. If required, a simple analgesic such as paracetamol (Panadol) should give relief. Do NOT take Aspirin.

Some bleeding from the rectum is likely, which should go away after a few days. You may also experience blood mixed with the urine and sperm, which should go away after a few weeks.

It is important to treat any complications early. Please contact your referring doctor if you:

• notice continued or increased bleeding;
• feel unwell;
• experience abdominal pain;
• develop a fever.

If you have not been contacted about your results in 1 to 2 weeks, please contact your referrer.