Prostate Biopsy

TRUSS (trans-rectal ultrasound scan) and prostate biopsy is a means of obtaining small cores of prostate tissue. These cores can be examined under the microscope to determine whether prostate cancer is present.

The procedure involves the passage of a probe into the rectum when the patient is awake and lying on their side. The probe contains a small ultrasound device which allows the surgeon to see the prostate and measure its size.

Most surgeons will insert some local anaesthetic through the probe via a needle. This is placed around the prostate to reduce discomfort when removing the cores

The removal of the prostate cores is carried out using a very fine needle mechanism which goes in and out of the prostate extremely quickly, taking some prostate tissue with it. In most cases the surgeon will attempt to remove 10 cores.

There are risks associated with the procedure; bleeding, infection and urinary retention. In most cases these do not cause severe problems. The surgeon carrying out the procedure will explain these in more detail and ask patients to sign a consent form before carrying out the procedure. Patients are given antibiotics before the procedure to reduce the chances of infection.

The vast majority of patients will be able to go home after the procedure. They will be seen again by the surgeon when the prostate tissue has been fully examined.