Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Biopsy
of the Prostate (TRUS Biopsy)
What is the prostate?
The prostate gland is a sexual organ below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tract you pass urine). The prostate enlarges after the age of 50 and causes urination problems in men.
What is TRUS biopsy?
A TRUS biopsy is where small samples of tissue are taken from your prostate gland under ultrasound guidance for microscopic examination.
When do you need this procedure?
You may have been advised to have a TRUS biopsy because:
• You may have a raised PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test. PSA is a protein that is produced by the prostate. The PSA test is used to detect early prostate cancer.
• Your prostate may have felt abnormal when the doctor examined your prostate via
the rectum. This may indicate prostate cancer OR it may be due to other conditions like infection or stones in prostate.
How is the procedure performed?
This procedure will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown before the procedure.
You will be asked to lie on an examination couch where the urologist will examine your prostate.
During the scan of the prostate, an ultrasound probe covered by lubricant gel will be gently inserted into your rectum. Under this ultrasound guidance, a biospy needle is then inserted into the probe.
Local anaesthesia will be injected around the prostate to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
Several tissue samples are taken through this fine needle for biopsy. The needle makes a loud ‘clicking’ sound when it takes the sample. This will be demonstrated to you beforehand.
You will be monitored by your care team for 30 minutes after your procedure.
What are the risks?
• infection <2%
• Severe bleeding <2%
- bleeding in the rectum
- bleeding in the urine
• Inability to pass urine
Post-procedure
You need to rest for the day and drink plenty of water.
You may notice some blood in your urine and stool for a few days. Your semen may appear pinkish and brownish for up to 6 weeks. This is normal and you need not worry.
Though you may have mild discomfort in the biopsy area for one to two days, you can resume normal activities the next day if you feel well.
Preparations for TRUS Biopsy
• If you are taking these medication, please follow this advice unless told otherwise by your doctor:
☐ Anti-hypertension/ Antidiabetes drugs
- Continue to take as usual.
☐ Blood thinning medication (such as Aspirin, Warfarin and Plavix)
- Stop taking these 10 days before procedure.
- Date to stop: __________
☐ Stop all traditional medicine or supplements.
• Do not bring any valuables or wear any jewellery on the day of procedure.
• Please arrange for an adult to accompany you back home after the procedure. If not, procedure may be cancelled.
• If you are unable to keep the appointment, kindly call to inform us and request for a new date.
Day before TRUS Biopsy:
• For 24 hours, please go on a low-residue diet by avoiding vegetables, fruits and wholegrain products and red meat.
• Start on the oral antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor and complete the course unless you develop any drug allergy.
• At 8pm, please take 2 tablets of Bisacodyl 5mg. You will experience loose and frequent stools as Bisacodyl is a laxative. This will help clear your bowels to ensure a clear ultrasound image of the prostate.
Day of TRUS Biopsy:
______________
• There is no need for fasting. Please consume your normal diet for breakfast and lunch.
• Please be punctual for your appointment.
• Should you be late, a new appointment based on existing waiting list may be given to you.
• Do not drive on the day of appointment.
When to seek medical attention:
• Severe intolerable pain
• Persistent bleeding
• Persistent chills or fever of more than 38 degree Celsius
• Unable to pass urine
• Passing urine with large clots of blood
Medical advice
• Please contact our Customer Contact Centre at 6555 8828 for an urgent appointment to return to the Urology Clinic during office hours.
• For any emergency after office hours, please proceed to KTPH’s Acute and Emergency Department (A&E).
Your Appointment
Affix patient’s sticker.
Venue: Urology Clinic (C44)
Appointment Date : ____________
Appointment Time : ____________
Examination Fee : ____________
Contact Information
To reschedule your appointment, please contact us at (65) 6555 8828.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group.
Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg
Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg
The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice. URO.PE.03.0517