PROSTATE ULTRASOUND AND BIOPSY

Ultrasound uses harmless sound waves to give us pictures of the prostate and allows us to accurately guide a biopsy needle to areas of concern. Indications include suspicion of cancer either by suspicious finger exam of the prostate or by elevation of a prostate cancer screening blood test (PSA). The procedure is done in the office with local anesthesia. Initially, a complete finger exam is done. Next the ultrasound probe, finger-like in size and shape is placed into the rectum. With slight movement of the probe, many different views are obtained. When areas of suspicion are seen, biopsies will be taken. A spring loaded fine needle is placed through the probe and pointed directly at the lesion. 10-12 biopsies are usually taken. These biopsies are not usually painful. The entire exam taken 20-30 minutes. You may have some soreness around the rectum for up to one hour. You may also notice blood in the urine and stool for a few days, and in the semen for up to a month. We will not have the biopsy results for two to three days -- so be patient.

POSSIBLE RISKS OF PROSTATIC ULTRASOUND AND BIOPSY
Blood may be noted in the stool and urine for a few days and in the semen for up to a month. Infection of the prostate or in the urine can occur even with antibiotic preparation. You should call if you develop fever, chills, severe pain or have continuous or significant bleeding.

YOU MAY EXPERIENCE THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS AFTER THE BIOPSY
• BLEEDING FROM THE RECTUM
• BLOOD IN YOUR URINE
• BLOOD IN YOUR SEMEN (NOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM MAY PERSIST WEEKS)
• BURNING, PAIN, OR FREQUENCY OF URINATION

PREPARATION FOR PROSTATIC ULTRASOUND AND BIOPSY
*** No aspirin products for 7-10 days before the biopsy ***

1. No dietary restrictions on the day of the procedure.

2. A fleets enema two hours before the visit.

3. Start an antibiotic the day before the biopsy (we'll supply the prescription).

POST OP INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROSTATE ULTRASOUND/ BIOPSY

1. It is extremely important that you finish your last antibiotic pill tomorrow.

2. Increase your fluid intake for the next 1-2 days to decrease formation of blood clots in your urine. If your urine is completely clear for the first few urinations, you will probably not have to worry about this.

3. You may experience discomfort in the rectum or base of your penis. This is normal and should be of no concern. In addition, you may have a small amount of blood in your stool when you have a bowel movement.

4. You may also notice blood or discoloration in your semen if you are sexually active. This is also normal and may last for a few weeks!

5. Limit your activity, particularly strenuous ones, for 24 hours. Staying off your feet until the next morning is probably a good idea.

However, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT CONTACT US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if any of the following symptoms occur:
• Severe burning with urination
• Chills
• Fever
• Blood clots or excessive blood in the urine or stool
• Difficulty or inability to urinate

If problems do occur as listed above please contact our office and ask for your doctor. Explain the problem or symptoms to the nurse if your doctor is not available. If necessary, she will let you speak to another physician or will try to reach your doctor. If you call after hours or on weekends, you will be automatically connected to our answering service, who will put you in touch with the physician-on-call.

We plan to call you as soon as the results of the biopsy are available. Be patient, as the pathologist have to be certain about the interpretation of your biopsy. This may require additional opinions from other members of the Department of Pathology. We should have the results in 7-10 days. If you have NOT heard from us by then, call us so that we may check on the progress of your biopsy.