Prostate biopsy

The procedure involves taking a sample of prostate tissue and evaluating it under a microscope. The needle is usually inserted through the rectal wall and transrectal ultrasound is very helpful. To determine the presence or absence of cancer cells, your doctor must take 6 to 13 samples of prostate tissue from different areas of the prostate.

Prostate biopsy is not a routine test. It is performed in the event of specific symptoms and abnormalities in the results of early prostate cancer detection tests – when PSA levels are above normal.

Due to the fact that the biopsy is invasive, i.e. it violates the continuity of the rectal wall, proper preparation of the patient is required for this examination. It is recommended that the patient remains on an empty stomach for the biopsy, take a laxative and take an antibacterial drug in advance. The type of laxative and antibacterial drug should be agreed in advance with the urologist performing the biopsy.

In the first days after the biopsy, the patient may experience burning, pain in the urethra, red urine, more frequent urination, weakening of the urine stream. In the event that these symptoms persist or worsen or fever occurs, it is absolutely necessary to contact a urologist.

Patients treated with drugs from the group of anticoagulants, often used in the treatment of coronary heart disease and hypertension, must inform the urologist performing the biopsy about this fact and stop taking the drugs at least 7 days before the scheduled biopsy. Failure to do so may result in post-biopsy complications.