September 17, 2019
Every so often, a blood test might show that you have high levels of prostate-specific antigens. If this does happen, it’s usually advised to seek out a prostate biopsy. A prostate biopsy is a procedure that takes tissue to determine whether there are cancerous cells in the prostate. But what exactly goes into the procedure? And are there side effects?
Transrectal biopsy and transurethral biopsy are the two most common procedure methods. As the names imply, one is done through the rectum while the other is through the urethra. In transrectal biopsies, a needle is guided through the area until it reaches the prostate gland. Once the needle has reached the prostate gland, a few tissue samples are removed so that they can be examined more closely under a microscope. In a transurethral biopsy, a urologist will insert a lighted scope and loop into the urethra in order to remove small pieces of the prostate tissue.
Overall, either procedure is quite simple, usually taking less than an hour to complete. The amount of discomfort during the procedure is minimal to minor, but the peace of mind that comes after makes it far more understandable.
As with any procedure that goes into the body, there are going to be side effects and risks involved. I’m here to tell you that, as an experienced urologist, serious side effects are rare, and the procedure is often completed with very little problem. Due to the nature of the procedure, a common risk factor is bleeding after the fact; this tends to last no longer than a couple days, and if it does then you should reach out to a urologist for help. Infection has happened before, but it is easily prevented by taking appropriate antibiotic medicines before the procedure. If any of these symptoms occur longer than normal, it’s likely that there are worse complications, but most of them will dissipate mere days after the fact.
Prostate biopsies shouldn’t be a scary process. They are a good way to discover underlying problems, and whether further treatment is necessary. Catching something early with a little discomfort is far more advantageous than having it develop to a worse condition. As a premier urologist in Orlando, I will make sure that your procedure goes smoothly and efficiently.
We also offer Nitrous Oxide as a means of ease and care for our patients during this procedure.