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Prostate biopsy is performed to rule out the presence of prostate cancer. It is a procedure performed in the office under local anesthesia. You will have an ultrasound probe placed into the rectum which will cause some mild discomfort. Local anesthestic will be injected near the base of the prostate. During the procedure we will measure the size of the prostate and then take several samples of tissue from your prostate using a needle biopsy device. The entire procedure takes less than 5-10 minutes to complete and is generally accompanied by some mild discomfort and pain.
Preparation
Do not take any aspirin, advil, naprosyn, celebrex, or any other non-steriodal anti-inflammatories for ten (10) days prior to the procedure. You may, however, take Tylenol.
If you are on Coumadin, or any other blood thinner like Plavix, stop the medication five (5) days prior to your biopsy (with the permission of your prescribing doctor).
Please continue to take any other prescribed medications. This is important, especially if you are diabetic or being treated for high blood pressure.
Your physician has prescribed an antibiotic to be taken for three (3) consecutive days. Begin taking the pills the day before the biopsy. Continue taking the antibiotic on the day of the biopsy, and for one day afterward. You will also be prescribed two (2) fleet enemas, the first to be used the night before your procedure and the second one to be used the morning of your procedure prior to reporting to the office.
There are no dietary restrictions prior to, or following, the procedure. In fact, you should probably eat a small meal prior to your procedure.
After the Procedure
You may drive home after your biopsy. In the event that you were prescribed a sedative or a narcotic pain pill, you will need a driver to accompany you, and do not take this medication until you arrive for procedure and have checked in.
Risks and Complications
The biopsy will likely cause minor bleeding in the urine, stool, or semen. Usually the blood disappears from the urine in a day or two, from the stool in a few days, and from the ejaculate in a few weeks. You should drink more fluids than normal; to keep the urine diluted and prevent formation of clots that could potentially block the urinary stream. If you are unable to void or you pass a large amount of blood or blood clots in your urine, you should call Washington Urology or report to the Emergency Room (ER) if after normal duty hours. If you should develop a fever or chills following this procedure, this may indicate an infection and again you should contact your surgeon.
Discharge Instructions - What you can expect after the biopsy?
- You may experience minor bleeding in the urine, stool or semen. Usually the blood disappears from the urine in about a week or two, from the stool in a few days, and from the ejaculate in about six (6) weeks.
- Your ejaculate may appear bloody or chocolate colored for the next six (6) weeks. This is normal.
- You should drink more fluids than normal to keep the urine diluted and to prevent the formation of clots that could potentially block the urinary stream. So stay well hydrated.
- You may have blood on toilet paper after bowel movements for the next couple of days. This is normal.
- If you are unable to void or are passing a large amount of blood or blood clots in your urine, you should call Washington Urology or report to the Emergency Room, if after normal business hours.
- If you should develop a fever or chills following this procedure, this may indicate an infection and again you should seek medical attention.
- Biopsy results usually take about one (1) week for results to become available. The office will contact you when the results are available unless you wish to make other arrangements.
- You may resume blood thinners 2 days after the procedure
- Results are available in seven (7) to ten (10) working days. If you have not heard from your doctor within two (2) weeks,
Any questions or concerns, please call Washington Urology at 703.506.8590 or 703.717.4200.
Print Instructions|Post-biopsy Instructions
Prostate Biopsy (Transrectal Biopsy; Transurethral Biopsy; Transperineal Biopsy)
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