What is a prostate biopsy and how is it performed?

Not too bad: Prostate biopsy involves a ultrasound of the prostate through the rectal wall, which allows a urologist to measure the prostate, place local, examine for abnormality and also guides from where the biopsies will be taken, usu 12-16. It can be done without sedation in 10-15min. Abx should be used to prevent severe infx. Common risks: blood (semen, urine, stool), prostatitis.

Office procedure: Usually done in the office, it is a probe inserted in the rectum to ultrasound your prostate. A nerve block is used to help with the pain. In about 5 minutes, your urologist will sample 10 -12 areas in a systematic fashion. Tissue is then sent to the pathologist for analysis.