Prostate Fusion Biopsy

What is Prostate Biopsy?

Prostate biopsy is the process of taking tissue samples in cases where prostate cancer is suspected according to the patient's age group and family history as a result of rectal examination and PSA test examinations. In recent years, the result of the ‘Multiparametric Prostate MRI’, a prostate-specific imaging, has also been effective in making the biopsy decision and determining which method will be used.

Depending on the anatomical localization of the prostate gland, this procedure is performed transrectally (from the anus) or perineally (lower part of the ovary region). In our clinic, prostate biopsy is usually performed via transrectal route.

How is Prostate Biopsy Performed?

Before the procedure;

  • The blood thinners used by the patients are stopped 1 week in advance with the approval of the relevant branch physician (such as aspirin, coumadin, clopidogrel).
  • Prophylactic antibiotics are administered intravenously. Antibiotic treatment continues for 1 week after discharge. This procedure is important in terms of preventing severe infections that may develop after the procedure.
  • Enema is applied for mechanical bowel cleansing.
  • Protocols such as general anesthesia, sedoanalgesia, periprostatic local anesthesia injection and/or intravenous analgesic administration are applied for a painless procedure.

Standard Biopsy

TRUS identifies the prostate gland and local anesthesia is applied to the area around the prostate. A scan of the general structure of the prostate is performed with 2-dimensional ultrasound. A total of 12 tissue samples are taken from each anatomical region (base, mid-gland, apex) of the right and left lobes of the prostate with a bridge adapted to the ultrasound device. If suspicious areas are seen, extra tissue samples can be taken.

MR Fusion Biopsy

MR fusion technology is a method that has become increasingly widespread in recent years and has a higher diagnostic feature compared to standard biopsy. Prostate biopsy is performed by matching multiparameter MR (MpMR) images onto ultrasound images during the procedure. The suspicious foci seen as a result of MpMR are drawn along with the standard biopsy foci and usually 3-4 samples are taken from each.

After the Procedure

General condition monitoring (pain, blood pressure, pulse, urine output, etc.) is performed and treatment is applied when necessary. After the post-operative recovery, the medications to be used at home are given and explained how to use them. Situations that need to be considered in social life are explained, diet recommendations are made and the patient is usually called for a check-up in the first week and discharged.

Patient Questions and Answers

Question: What happens if I don't have this procedure?
Answer: If there is prostate cancer, the diagnosis will be delayed and the progression of the disease may cause more difficult processes.

Question: When can we learn the result of the prostate biopsy?
Answer: The pathology result is concluded in approximately 1 week.

Question: What will happen if the biopsy result is bad?
Answer: After some radiological examinations, staging is performed and you are given a diagnosis at the determined time. The most appropriate treatment will be applied in our clinic.

Question: How many days will I stay in the hospital after the biopsy?
Answer: You are usually discharged on the same day.

Question: What kind of problems await me after the procedure?
Answer:There may be mild pain for a few days. You may see blood in your urine and semen.

Question: When can I have sexual intercourse after the procedure?
Answer: It is okay to have sexual intercourse after 1 week.

Question: Will I have sexual problems after this procedure?
Answer: There is no permanent sexual dysfunction after the biopsy.

Prostate fusion biopsy is an advanced method for diagnosing prostate cancer. In this technique, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound data are combined to obtain detailed images of the prostate. Fusion biopsy allows more precise targeting of suspicious areas. Pathological examination is performed by taking samples from areas where cancerous tissue is likely to be found in the prostate. This method provides higher accuracy than traditional biopsies and reduces the number of unnecessary biopsies. It also helps in early diagnosis of prostate cancer and appropriate treatment plan.