A prostate biopsy is a procedure where several small tissue samples are collected from the prostate gland and examined for any signs of cancer. An ultrasound is a procedure which uses ultrasonic waves to produce images which help guide the biopsy procedure. Here is what you can expect during your prostate ultrasound and biopsy.

Prostate Ultrasound and Biopsy: What to Expect

During your prostate ultrasound, your urologist will use an ultrasound wand which is slightly larger than a pen with a hollow needle attached. The ultrasound wand is inserted into your rectum and guided to your prostate (transrectal). Your urologist will then perform the biopsy by collecting several small pieces of tissue from both sides of the prostate. The tissue samples will be sent to a lab to be examined by a pathologist who specializes in identifying disease in human tissue.

Your prostate ultrasound and biopsy will take approximately 30 minutes and will be administered under local anesthesia in your doctor’s office or in an outpatient clinic. If you are exceptionally nervous, your doctor can administer a sedative to help you relax.

Before your ultrasound and biopsy you may be asked to clean the rectal area with an enema. Medications such as antibiotics may be administered as a precaution either before or after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection. Tell your urologist is you are taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, blood thinning medications such as warfarin or heparin, or blood thinning herbal medications such as gingko biloba, garlic, ginseng or fish oil, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.