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Urology

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Stone Clinic

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TRUS Clinic

Haematuria Clinic

Uro-gynaecology Clinic

Oncology

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Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) Clinic

Why is this procedure performed?

This procedure is done to look for prostate cancer in patients where concern has been raised because of an abnormal blood test (PSA) or rectal examination. It is also used as part of an active surveillance program in patients already diagnosed with low risk prostate cancer in order to check their disease is not progressing.

What does the procedure involve?

Please attend the TRUS clinic with a full bladder because prior to the biopsy being performed we ask all men to perform a flow test to assess their waterworks followed by a bladder scan to ensure they are emptying their bladder properly.

Diagnosis of prostate cancer requires transrectal ultrasound guided biopsies to be performed. This involves using an ultrasound probe, inserted via the back passage, to scan the prostate. Local anaesthetic is injected around the prostate and between 8 and 12 biopsies are taken with a small needle.

Unfortunately a biopsy can occasionally miss prostate cancer. This means that a negative biopsy (one where no cancer is found) cannot fully exclude the disease. In this case we monitor a patient's PSA over time and repeat biopsies may be needed.

Please let your urologist know if you are taking warfarin or clopidogrel as this will need to be stopped prior to your appointment.

Risks and aftercare

The main risks with this procedure are of bleeding and infection. You will be given an antibiotic prior to the biopsy and will need to continue this for 2 days afterwards. Despite the antibiotic there is still a small risk of developing a serious infection following the biopsy and you should see your GP if you become unwell after the biopsy has been performed. If you develop a fever outside surgery opening hours, you must telephone the emergency number at your GP surgery so that a doctor can assess your condition.

A small amount of bleeding from both the rectum and urethra (water pipe) is normal after a TRUS biopsy. You should drink plenty of fluid in order to keep the urine a light colour. If bleeding is heavy or persistent or you become unable to pass urine at all you need to seek medical advice urgently.

Getting your results

An appointment will be made for you to come back about a week after your biopsies so that one of our Nurse Specialists can give you your results and discus treatment options or arrangements for further follow up.

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