What is it? 
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A prostate biopsy is a procedure to remove samples of suspicious tissue from the prostate. The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland in men that sits just below the bladder and produces a fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. It is performed to examine it and detect or not the presence of any disease​.

How the exam is done

There are three main ways to perform a prostate biopsy. 

Transrectal prostate biopsy- through the rectum. This is the most common method.

• You will be lying on your side with your knees bent and will remain still.

• A finger-sized ultrasound probe will be inserted into your rectum, which allows images of the prostate to be seen, and an anesthetic will be injected around the prostate. You may feel some discomfort or pressure.

• Then, using ultrasound to guide the biopsy needle, the needle is inserted into the prostate to take the sample. This can cause a brief stinging sensation.

• Approximately 10 to 18 samples are taken. The samples will be sent to the laboratory for examination.

• The entire procedure will take approximately 10 minutes.

Other methods are used to perform prostate biopsies; however, they are not used very often. These include:

transurethral - through the urethra.

• An anesthetic is given to numb you so you don't feel pain.

• A flexible tube with a camera at the end (cystoscope) is inserted through the opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis.

• Tissue samples are taken from the prostate through the cystoscope.

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Perineal - through the perineum (the skin between the anus and the scrotum).

• An anesthetic is given to numb you so you don't feel pain.

• A needle is inserted into the perineum to collect prostate tissue.

Instructions before the procedure

Follow the instructions below carefully, the success of the procedure depends largely on your collaboration.
 

1. Report a history of previous bleeding and/or allergies to penicillins or cephalosporins.

2. Eight (8) days before the procedure Do not take Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Voltaren, Profenid, Feldene, Ponstan). 

3.  Submit the results of the TP and TPT exam no more than 10 days.

4.  Present a NEGATIVE urine culture result not older than 15 days.

5.  If you take medication for blood pressure or diabetes, you should NOT suspend them.

6.  Attend the personal clinical interview (3 days minimum).

One day before the procedure 

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• Do not eat dairy or its derivatives.

• Go on a bland diet all day (juices in water, mashed potatoes, fat-free broth).

• At 4:00 pm. Take (2) two sachets of NULYTELY, each one diluted in a liter of water, drink a glass every 10 minutes until finished. 

Procedure day

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• If your procedure is in the morning, come completely fasting.

• If your procedure is in the afternoon, you must fast for 8 hours. 

• The patient must arrive 2 hours before the procedure.

• You must come accompanied by a person of legal age, with decision-making capacity.

• General bathroom. You must come in comfortable clothing, without accessories or jewelry or valuables.

Post Procedure Instructions

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• The patient must rest for 3 days after the procedure 

• Get relative rest during the first 48 hours after discharge, do not exert yourself, avoid gaining weight. (also keep in mind: if you live outside the city you cannot travel).

• Have absolute rest during the first 6 hours following the procedure. Rest refers to NOT performing heavy physical activities or sudden movements.

• Pain in the rectum If you have pain, continue taking the painkillers that your doctor has indicated. Remember that it is better to take it at the prescribed times than to wait for severe pain to appear.

• You may have small amounts of blood in your stool, urine, or semen, which can last from days to months

• Light bleeding from the rectum 

•  You can shower normally. 

• After each bowel movement, wash the perianal area (anus) with soap and water and dry with a sponge or towel. 

•  Try to eat a diet rich in fiber (vegetables, fruits, vegetables) will help make the stool softer and defecate without difficulty.

• You must continue to take the medication prescribed by your doctor. If you take anticoagulants you should notify your GP so that he can tell you how to continue the treatment

Warning signs and symptoms

In the event of profuse bleeding, swelling and pain, paleness, sweating, dizziness, fainting, fever or leakage of purulent material or profuse bleeding from the operated area, or respiratory distress, you should consult the emergency room.

Initially it may present discomfort to urinate.