To download and print a PDF version of this document, click here TRUS.pdf

A TRUS (transrectal ultrasound guided prostate) biopsy is an investigation used to diagnose prostate cancer. In general, a TRUS prostate biopsy is performed in men with an abnormal Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) reading, a palpable abnormality on a digital rectal examination (DRE) or a rapidly increasing PSA level.

Patient preparation for a TRUS Biopsy

Once you have decided, in consultation with Dr Swindle, to undergo a TRUS biopsy, a date and time will be booked for the procedure. You will not be able to drink or eat for 6 hours prior to the procedure and you should allow the afternoon for the procedure. You will need to be accompanied to and from the procedure as you will not be able to drive after the anaesthetic and you should not be alone the night of the procedure. The procedure itself will not take very long but there are several steps to the procedure.

Medications:

Many medications can thin the blood and cause excessive bleeding during surgical procedures. It is very important that you cease any blood thinning medications 7-10 days prior to the procedure. Common medications that thin the blood are Aspirin, Warfarin, Plavix (Clopidogrel) and anti-inflammatory pain medications.

For a complete list of medications that may thin the blood or interfere with a surgical procedure, please refer to our information on surgery preparation and medications. Do not stop any of these medications without discussion with Dr Swindle as he will advise you of the exact timing to cease any medication. Please ensure Dr Swindle is aware of all drugs, pills and medications that you take, whether on prescription or not, even if they are not on the list of medications to avoid.

Antibiotics:

A packet of 6 Ciproxin tablets as well as a handout about this antibiotic will be given to you at the time of booking the procedure. Please read this booklet and let Dr Swindle know if this antibiotic is unsuitable or if you have any drug allergies. If you can not take Ciproxin for any reason then you will be given another antibiotic before and after the procedure.

Please take the first Ciproxin tablet with your breakfast on the day of the TRUS procedure. The second tablet should be taken on the night of the procedure. If for some reason this antibiotic has not been given to you prior to the TRUS procedure, please let us know so that arrangements can be made to provide this for you. The antibiotics are then continued one tablet each morning and evening after your procedure until the course of 6 tablets is completed. The following is some important information about Ciproxin.

• Do not take Ciproxin with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified juice. You may eat or drink dairy products with calcium fortified juice with a regular meal, but do not use them alone when taking Ciproxin. They could make the medication less effective.
• Take all of the Ciproxin that has been prescribed
• Drink several extra glasses of fluid every day while taking Ciproxin. If you drink dairy products (milk, yogurt) or calcium fortified juice, drink them with a meal and not when you are taking your Ciproxin dose.
• Certain medicines should be taken at least 2 hours after or 6 hours before you take Ciproxin. This includes didanosine (Videx) chewable/buffered tablets or powder; sucralfate (Carafate); antacids that contain calcium, magnesium or aluminum (such as Tums or Rolaids); or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium, iron or zinc.
• Taking Ciproxin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight, sun lamps or tanning beds.

Microlax enema:

You are required to have a Microlax enema which can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacy and administered by yourself at 6am on the morning of the procedure.

Check in to Dr Swindle rooms:

Please attend Dr Swindle's rooms and see Sandy or Jan 1 hour before your scheduled procedure time to complete the appropriate paperwork.

Check in to the endoscopy suite waiting room:

From Dr Swindle's rooms you will need to go to the Endoscopy Suite. The reception staff will then have you complete further paperwork relating to the Hospital and your procedure.

Nursing Assessment:

After completing the paperwork at the front reception desk you will be taken by a nurse into the endoscopy suite where further questions will be asked by the nurse and you will be undressed and prepared for the procedure. You will be placed on a hospital bed in the holding area in preparation.

Anaesthetic Assessment:

You will be assessed by the anaesthetist prior to the procedure in the holding area. The anaesthetic used is known as a neurolept anaesthetic which is also referred to as a twilight anaesthetic. It is a light form of anaesthetic similar to what patients have when undergoing a colonoscopy. The anaesthetist will check your medical history and ensure you have not eaten or taken any fluids orally for the preceding 6 hours.

Read More...