MRI/TRUS Fusion guided Transperineal Prostate Biopsy

A prostate biopsy is normally undertaken if a patient’s PSA is found to be raised and a physical examination via digital rectal examination (DRE) reveals an irregularity in the prostate.  Your GP may perform a DRE or he may refer you to a urologist who will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel your prostate.  This is one of several tools used to detect possible early prostate cancer. 

Prostate biopsy remains essential for many patients to distinguish between:

  • Normal prostate;

  • Benign prostate disease; 

  • Prostate cancer that does not require treatment; or

  • Prostate cancer where treatment is required.

When undertaking a prostate biopsy an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to provide an ultrasound image of the organs in the pelvis.  These images help guide the needle used to take a biopsy of the prostate. 

In the majority of cases, the patient has had an MRI prostate scan prior to the biopsy. For those patients who have suspicious areas noted on MRI, the MRI is superimposed on the real-time transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) images.  This helps the region of interest noted on the MRI scan to be targeted with better precision. 

A fine needle is pushed through the perineum (the area in front of the anus extending to the scrotum) where it meets with the prostate and a biopsy is taken.  The biopsy is then sent to a pathologist for analysis.  The procedure usually takes about thirty minutes and is done under general anaesthetic in a sterile operating theatre.

The advantages of Transperineal Fusion Prostate Biopsy are:

  • Ability to sample areas of the prostate not routinely able to be accessed transrectally; 

  • Ability to target regions identified on MRI more precisely ensuring a more definite diagnosis; and

  • Less procedure associated risk, in particular, the risk of infection and sepsis is almost negligible.

 

The information on this website is provided to reinforce any advice you have received from your GP and others involved in your care and is not intended to replace discussions with your doctor.