Prostate Ultrasound and Biopsy

Prostate Ultrasound and Biopsy

In this article

• What Happens Before The Procedure?
• Special conditions
• Medications*
• Eating and drinking
• Enemas
• What Happens on the Day of the Procedure?
• What Happens During the Procedure?
• What Happens After the Procedure?
• When Should I Call My Doctor?

Medications*

Tell your primary doctor if you are taking Coumadin, Persantine, Plavix or other blood thinners. With your doctor's knowledge, these medicines will need to be discontinued about one week before the procedure. Your primary doctor may prescribe an alternate method for thinning your blood before the procedure.

The week before the procedure, do NOT take aspirin, products containing aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil or Motrin, Naprosyn or Indocin).

You will receive antibiotics to take the night before the procedure or the morning of the procedure to prevent infection.

* Do not discontinue any medication without first consulting your primary or referring physician.

Eating and drinking

Eat a light breakfast or lunch before the procedure and drink only clear liquids (which include juices, broths, and gelatin) the morning of the procedure.

Enemas

You will receive one enema before the procedure to empty your colon and minimize the risk of infection during the procedure. You may be asked to use the enema at home. Try to hold the enema solution for at least five minutes before releasing it.

What Happens on the Day of the Procedure?

A doctor or nurse will explain the procedure in detail, including possible complications and side effects. You will also be able to ask questions.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The procedure is performed by a doctor experienced in prostate ultrasound and biopsy. It will last 10 to 20 minutes.

You will lie on your left side, with your knees drawn up.

The ultrasound probe will be inserted into the rectum and the biopsies will be taken. You may feel discomfort as the biopsies are being taken. A local numbing medication may be used to control some of this discomfort.

What Happens After the Procedure?

The biopsy will be sent to a lab for analysis. Your doctor will discuss the results with you when they are available (usually within one week after the biopsy). Meanwhile:

• You may resume your normal meals and activities.
• For at least three days after the procedure, do NOT take aspirin, products containing aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, Naprosyn, or Indocin).
• Drink six to eight glasses of water every day for three days after the procedure to help flush your urinary system.
• You may notice a small amount of blood in your urine, semen, or stool up to seven days after the procedure. This is normal.
• If you have any rectal soreness, soak in a warm bath for 20 minutes to relieve discomfort.
• Take all of the antibiotics until all pills gone. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember and then maintain your regular schedule.