Prostate Ultrasound with Biopsy
During a prostate ultrasound, a probe about the size of a finger is placed a short distance into the rectum. This probe creates images of the prostate gland. The probe helps your doctor see the size of your prostate and detect any abnormal growths.
During a prostate biopsy, ultrasound helps to guide the small needle through the rectum into areas of the prostate where abnormal tissues may be detected. The needle is used to collect tissue samples from these areas.
While lying on your left side, with your knees drawn up, the ultrasound probe will be placed into the rectum and the biopsies are taken. You may feel pressure as the samples are taken. It takes about 5 minutes to get the samples. After the biopsy is done, you may need to stay until you are able to urinate.
(Check one)
____ Prostate Biopsy done in the Clinic
____ Prostate Biopsy done in the Operating Room
If your biopsy will be done in the operating room, you will receive a call from the Ambulatory Procedure Center the day before your scheduled biopsy to tell you when to arrive and when your procedure will start.
Before the Test
1. Tell your doctor if you have an artificial joint that has been placed in the last 2 years because you may need more antibiotics before the biopsy.
2. Tell your doctor if you are taking “blood thinning” medicines (Coumadin® warfarin, Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®, aspirin, Vitamin E, and ibuprofen). These are medicines that can cause an increased chance of bleeding after the biopsy. Your doctor will talk with you about when to stop taking Coumadin® (warfarin). You should stop taking the other “blood thinning” medicines 1 week before the test.
3. You may eat before the test if it will be done in clinic. If the biopsy will be done in the operating room, you will need to stop all solid foods, dairy products, and juices with pulp at midnight, but you may be able to have small amount of clear liquid up to 4 hours before.
4. You will need to give a urine sample before the test. It is helpful to have a full bladder when you arrive at the clinic.
5. You will take antibiotics before and after the biopsy. It is important to take them as directed.
6. You will need a sodium phosphate enema (Fleets Enema) before the test, give it 1-1½ (2 to 4 hours if the biopsy will be done in the operating room) hours before you leave to come to the clinic. Follow the directions on the box. Shower.
After the Biopsy
1. Take antibiotics as directed.
2. Nothing strenuous for 1-2 days.
3. No intercourse for 3 days. Your semen may have blood in it and remain rusty colored for several weeks.
4. Drink plenty of fluids after the biopsy, 8-10 (8 oz.) glasses each day.
When to Call the Doctor
- Temperature by mouth greater than 100.4 °F within the first 3 days.
- Bloody urine you cannot see through. It is normal to have blood-tinged urine.
- Large clots in urine. It is normal to pass a few small clots.
- Trouble passing urine.
- Rectal bleeding (spotty bleeding is normal).
Phone Numbers
Urology Clinic (608) 263-4757.
After Hours, Weekends, and Holidays: this number connects you with the paging operator. Ask for the Urology doctor on-call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
Toll Free: 1-800-323-8942
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #7180.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 04/19/2011
Copyright © 04/14/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4812
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