Prior to Procedure

You may be asked to:

• Make a urine sample. It will be checked for infection in the urinary tract. The biopsy may be delayed if an infection is present.
• Stop taking some medicine and supplements for several days before the biopsy.
• Do an enema at home to clean out the bowel.
• Take antibiotics 30 to 60 minutes before the biopsy. It will help to prevent an infection.

Anesthesia

The type of anesthesia will be based on type of procedure. It may be one of the following:

• General anesthesia—blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the surgery
• Local anesthesia—just the area is numbed; it may also be given with a sedative to help you relax

Description of the Procedure

There are different types of surgery. The choice is made based on your health goals and where the growth is. Choices include:

• Transrectal biopsy (most common method)—A needle is sent through the rectum wall into the prostate. It will draw out a sample of tissue. A small ultrasound wand will be placed in the rectum. It will help to guide the needle.
• Transurethral biopsy—A flexible tube is passed through the tip of the penis. It will be passed up through the tube to where the prostate sits. A cutting loop will be passed through the tube. It will remove a section of prostate.
• Perineal biopsy—A small incision will be made in the area between the scrotum and the rectum. A small needle will be passed through the cut into the prostate gland. A sample will be drawn out with the needle.

How Long Will It Take?

About 30 minutes

Will It Hurt?

You may be sore at the site. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medicine.

Postoperative Care

Some activity will need to be avoided for 1 to 2 days.

The sample will be examined under a microscope. The doctor will follow up on the results.