Transvaginal Ultrasound Guided Biopsy
Your doctor has scheduled a biopsy to be done on________. Please report to Radiology (G3/3) on the 3rd floor at ________. Before the biopsy, our doctors will explain what will happen and answer any questions. We will ask you to sign a consent form.
What is a Transvaginal Ultrasound Guided Biopsy?
A transvaginal ultrasound guided biopsy is done using an ultrasound probe placed in the vagina. The probe is covered with a condom and gel sending out sound waves. This projects an image of the structures in your body onto a TV like screen making a picture. The probe will guide the doctor to the area of concern.
You will be placed in the same position as a pelvic exam. You will be lying on your back with your feet up in stirrups and your knees bent. The area of concern will be seen with the vaginal probe. It will then be cleansed with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. Local anesthesia will be injected into the area to biopsy. This will help prevent pain during the biopsy.
Preparing for the biopsy
• You will be prepared for your procedure in our prep and recovery area before your biopsy. We will start an IV and take your blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and temperature. This makes sure you are safe to have the procedure and can be given sedation.
• You may have lab tests done on the day of the test. We may draw blood for a platelet count and INR. This will be done when your IV is started. Sometimes we ask that this is done in the lab before registration.
• Please tell us if you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin® (warfarin), heparin, Plavix®, Pradaxa®, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, low molecular heparin injections (Fragmin®, Lovenox®) or daily aspirin. Someone from Ultrasound will call your doctor to discuss when you should stop taking it and when you should start again.
• If you have diabetes, please call your doctor to talk about how your medicine should change before this procedure. Test your blood sugar more often when you can’t eat, as well as before the procedure. If your blood sugar level is low (less than 70mg/dl ) or you have symptoms, eat some glucose tablets or drink 4 ounces of a clear liquid with sugar. Always recheck your blood sugar level to make sure it stays above 70. We may still be able to do the procedure unless you need to eat solid food to keep your blood sugar at a normal level. If the blood sugar ever gets too high or too low and you can’t bring it back to normal, call your local doctor or diabetes doctor.
• Stop eating at _______the day of the procedure. You may drink clear liquids until _________the day of the procedure. Clear liquids include black coffee, tea, water and juices without pulp that you can see through.
• You will be awake for the procedure. You may be given medicine to help mildly sedate you. These medicines would be Midazolam and Fentanyl. They would be put in your IV before the procedure. Please inform the nurse if you have sleep apnea. You must have someone drive you home if you are to get any medicines.
• You will be asked to take an antibiotic 1 hour before the procedure. This is to prevent infection. Two further doses will be required at 12 hours and 24 hours after the procedure. You will either be given a prescription for this medicine or it will be called into your pharmacy.
During the Biopsy
Be sure to tell the radiologists if you have any allergies (contrast dye, antibiotics, anesthetic agents, etc.)
An IV will be used to give you IV fluids. Medicine for pain and /or anxiety is sometimes given. You can talk about this with the nurse or radiologist.
You will be lying on your back with your feet up in stirrups and your knees bent. The area of concern will be visualized with the vaginal probe. It will then be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. Local anesthesia will be injected into the area to biopsy which will help prevent pain during the biopsy.
Using the transvaginal ultrasound for guidance, the tissue sample is withdrawn using a special needle. One to three samples may be taken. The tissue sample is then sent for exam under a microscope.
After the Biopsy
1. You will return to the prep/recovery area in Radiology to rest for 2-4 hours. You will be able to get up and go to the restroom during this time. Call the nurse for help if you feel weak. This feeling may be caused by sedation received or from the procedure. During this time your blood pressure, pulse and respirations will be checked. We will also check for any signs of bleeding (spotting is to be expected).
2. After local anesthetic wears off, you may feel some discomfort at the site. Your pain should not be severe, but is often described as somewhat sore. If you are having discomfort, use Tylenol® up to 3 times daily. You may talk to the doctor or nurse if you have questions about the dose. The pain should go away within the first 24 hours.
3. You will not be able to eat or drink for 1 hour after the biopsy. A meal will be provided for you.
4. Tell the nurse if you have new pain, nausea, vomiting, or chills.
5. Avoid the use of tampons for 1 week to reduce the chance of infection.
Your Care at Home
1. You may eat or drink what you like once you get home. Do not drink alcohol for the first 24 hours.
2. Rest and take it easy for the first 24 hours. Resume your normal routine after 24 hours.
3. Do not take a tub bath for 24-48 hours.
When to Call the Doctor
Call if you have any other questions or concerns.
Report the following findings:
1. Dizziness, feeling faint, or light-headed.
2. Vaginal bleeding more than spotting. The spotting should lessen in 2 days.
3. Abdominal pain that worsens over the course of 1-2 days
4. Foul smelling vaginal discharge
5. Fever over 100.4 or 38 C
Phone Numbers
During the day (7:30 am-4:30 pm) call the Ultrasound department
(608-262-5279 or nurse (608) 261-5634.
If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.
Evenings and weekends call your local doctor or go to your local emergency room.
Your doctor will discuss the results with you when they are available.
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: 05/24/2012
Copyright © 05/24/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7328
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