Initial Diagnosis

Trans Rectal Ultrasound Biopsy (TRUS Bx)

A TRUS biopsy is performed with a special ultrasound probe which is inserted into the rectum and allows visualisation of the prostate gland. Using this probe, the Urologist can measure the size of the prostate, see any suspicious areas and take biopsies from specific regions within the prostate.

Before the TRUS Biopsy

You must completely fast (that is no food or drink of any kind) for 6 hours prior to your procedure.

Please bring all of your regular medications with you to hospital and they will be administered at the anaesthetist’s discretion.

You should inform your doctor if you take Warfarin, Aspirin, anti-inflammatories or similar drugs as it is necessary to stop these 10 days prior to your procedure. Please refer to the attached medication sheet.

The Procedure

A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is used to allow visualization of the prostate gland, allowing identification and localization of any areas that may be suspicious. The ultrasound allows your urologist to determine where the prostate biopsies will be taken.

Using a high speed biopsy device, several hair-like slivers of prostate tissue will be obtained and sent to a specialist pathologist for evaluation.

After the Biopsy

You can expect to have some blood in the urine, the semen and from the rectum, following your TRUS, which usually settles within 48-72 hours, but may last for several weeks.

The following symptoms are of significant concern and must not be ignored. You must seek medical advice should you experience:

• High fever, shaking or chills
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Heavy or prolonged bleeding, or
• Difficulty or inability to urinate

During office hours - Please contact the practice nurse or your urologist at Sydney Prosate Cancer Centre.

After hours – Please contact the after hours manager at the hospital where your biopsy was performed.

Do not resume Warfarin, aspirin or any other blood thinning medication for several days after the biopsy.

Please call Sydney Prostate Cancer Centre to confirm your appointment for your biopsy results.

Pre-Admission Medication Information

Prior to your admission to hospital, it will be necessary for you to stop taking certain medications, which are known to affect blood clotting.

Below is a list of medications which you must stop taking TEN DAYS before your hospital admission. Check with your doctor to find our whether you can, or need to, take other medications in their place. You should continue taking any other regular medications. It is also necessary for you to bring all your regular medications into hospital with you, on the day of your admission. If you have any queries, please contact the practice nurse at Sydney Prostate Cancer Centre on 02 9587 4888.

Pain Killers Containing Aspirin

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Anticoagulant Medications

Check with your specialist before you stop taking these medications. You may need to start on other medications when you’re not taking these anticoagulant medications.

Natural Therapy Preparations

You should stop taking all Natural Therapy Preparations as these may interfere with the clotting ability of the blood.

Copyright © 2007 Sydney Prostate Cancer Centre. All Rights Reserved.

ABN: 91 374 648 664
Level 1, St George Medical Centre
1 South Street
Kogarah NSW 2217
Ph: 9587 4888     Fax: 9587 4899