A prostate needle biopsy is necessary when a patient is suspected of having prostate cancer. The actual procedure, which involves the removal of small pieces of questionable tissue, only takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Unless the patient has significant pre-existing health problems, the procedure is generally performed in the office of an urologist under local anesthesia. If you are taking prescription medications, you may be asked to avoid taking them a week prior to having the prostate needle biopsy.
Preparation
Your physician may have you take fluoroquinolone, an oral antibiotic for three days prior to the procedure. In addition, you'll have to use an enema prior to the procedure, in order to clean out the colon. A preoperative blood test may also be necessary to evaluate the level of prescription medications that may still remain in the blood.
Body Positioning
In the operating suite, you will lay on your left side with your legs bent slightly at the knees. You'll be wearing a hospital gown that opens at the back, so that your physician has a clear operating field. Many doctors do ultrasound imaging of the prostate gland prior to the biopsy, to examine the tissue and check for irregularities. The doctor will apply a topical numbing gel to his index finger and the opening of the rectum, prior to the insertion of the probe.
Insertion of Probe
The probe is slowly advanced into the rectum, until the bladder can be seen by the ultrasound imaging machine. Several images of the area around the prostate are taken and sent for evaluation of the structural integrity.The ultrasound probe remains in place, in order to guide the biopsy needle.
Prostate Biopsy
Using the ultrasound probe as a guide, an 18-gauge hollow, spring-propelled needle is gently guided into the rectum. The biopsy is performed by extending the needle through the rectum wall into the areas of the prostate that seem to be abnormal. Several very small samples of the prostate tissue are taken and sent for evaluation. The probe and needle are then removed and the rectal area cleaned thoroughly.
Potential Complications
The most commonly experienced side effect of a prostate needle biopsy is blood in the urine. This symptom is considered normal and lasts approximately seven days after the procedure. Occasionally, the patient may also experience lightheadedness, pelvic pain, bleeding from the rectal area and blood in the semen. Less than one percent of all patients who undergo this procedure will experience more significant symptoms such as infection or persistent bleeding. Following the procedure, your physician may advise you to take an anti-inflammatory medication to relieve moderate pain.
