Prior to Procedure

You may be asked to do the following:

• Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin )
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)
• Begin taking an antibiotic if advised by your doctor.
• Use an enema several hours before the procedure.
• If you will be getting general anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

The type of anesthesia depends on the method that your doctor uses:

• Transurethral biopsy and perineal biopsy:
  • General anesthesia —blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the surgery, given through an IV in your hand or arm
  • Local anesthesia—just the area that is being operated on is numbed, given as an injection and may also be given with a sedative
• Transrectal prostate biopsy—local anesthesia

Description of the Procedure

Your doctor will use one of the following methods to do the biopsy:

• Transrectal biopsy (most common method)—Your doctor will insert a small ultrasound device into the rectum. This device will produce sound waves to create an image of the prostate. These images will help guide placement of the needle. Your doctor will then insert the needle through the wall of your rectum and into the prostate gland.
• Transurethral biopsy—Your doctor will insert a lighted flexible tube through the penis into the urethra. The urethra carries urine from the bladder. Your doctor will get the biopsy with a cutting loop that is passed through the flexible tube.
• Perineal biopsy—Your doctor will make a small incision in the perineum. The perineum is the area between the scrotum and the rectum. The doctor will insert a small needle into the prostate gland to get the biopsy.

How Long Will It Take?

About 30 minutes

Will It Hurt?

You may have discomfort and soreness at the biopsy site.

Postoperative Care

When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids for the next few days.
• Avoid difficult physical activity the day and evening of the procedure.
• Keep in mind that you may see blood in your urine, stool, or semen for several days.
• Ask your doctor when you can resume taking any blood-thinning medicine.
• Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .

After the sample is taken, it will be sent to a pathologist. This doctor will analyze the sample for cancer. If cancer is present, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan.