Download Prostate Biopsy

PATIENT GUIDE
Prostate Biopsy
Prostate Biopsy
What is a prostate biopsy?

A prostate biopsy is a procedure that involves taking out
small samples of prostate tissue to be see if any cancer
cells are present.

This procedure is done by inserting a needle through the
wall of the rectum using ultrasound as a guide.
How should I get ready for a prostate biopsy?

All patients on blood thinners must consult their doctor about stopping them before the procedure if
possible.

Recommended times to stop common blood thinners:
 Clopidogrel (Plavix), ASA (Aspirin) (7 days)
 Warfarin (Coumadin) (5 days)
 Heparin (6 hrs)
 Enoxaparin (Lovenox), Dalteparin (Fragmin),
Dabigatran (Pradax), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
(24 hrs)

If you are taking Warfarin® or Coumadin® you must
have a blood test (INR) the day before the exam. You
can get the lab requisition for a blood test from your
doctor.

Before the test your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic
pill (typically Levofloxacin) for you to bring to your
appointment. You are to pick-up the prescription
from them, purchase it at a pharmacy and bring it
with you to your appointment.
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
Tell your family doctor if you are allergic to freezing
or antibiotics.

Make sure to follow all instructions for getting ready
for the biopsy. If you do not follow all instructions
the test will have to be rescheduled.

You must bring someone to the appointment with
you and have them drive you home after. If you do
not bring someone, the procedure cannot be done.

On the day of your appointment, a Fleet Enema
(mineral oil based solution) must be taken. You must
purchase this at your local pharmacy.

If you live within 1 hour of the hospital, the enema
can be done at home before coming to the hospital.
Come to the diagnostic imaging department
30 minutes before your appointment time if the
preparation is already done.

If you live further away, come to the diagnostic imaging department 1 hour early. Bring the “fleet
enema” with you and you will be shown to a private
washroom to do the preparation.

Register at the diagnostic imaging (x-ray) reception
desk before your appointment.
What should I expect during a prostate biopsy?

You will be asked to change in a hospital gown.
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
Before the procedure starts, the radiologist (x-ray
doctor) will go over the procedure with you and ask
you to sign a consent form. This is a good time to ask
any questions you may have.

The doctor will instruct you to take the first dose of
the prescription antibiotic you brought during the
procedure.

You will be asked to lie on your left side for this
procedure.

The radiologist (x-ray doctor) will begin by inserting
an ultrasound probe in your rectum to get images.

Local freezing (similar to what is used at the dentist)
will be used to numb the area of the prostate where
samples will be taken.

Small samples of the prostate are taken using a
biopsy needle. This needle is inserted into the
prostate by using a guide on the ultrasound probe.

The samples will be sent to the pathology lab to be
tested. The lab results will then be sent to your
doctor.
What can be expected after the prostate biopsy?

You may have a small amount of bleeding from your
rectum for 2 - 3 days after the biopsy and slight
discoloration of your semen and urine.
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
Contact your family doctor if you:
-

Have heavy bleeding or if the bleeding
continues longer than 2 - 3 days
Have increased pain
Have a fever
Take the second antibiotic pill 24 hours after the
procedure.
How long will a prostate biopsy take?

This test takes approximately 1 hour.
Image 1: Prostate Biopsy
Image provided with permissions from
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC).
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov
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Image 2: Prostate Biopsy
Image provided with permissions from
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC).
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov
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The technologists are unable to give test results. Your doctor
will receive a copy of the pathology report within
approximately 1 - 2 weeks of the procedure.
If you have any questions, concerns or if you are unable to keep
your appointment, please do not hesitate to call the booking
office at 742-2571 or toll free 1-877-742-2571.
Diagnostic Imaging Department
Yarmouth Regional Hospital
60 Vancouver Street
Yarmouth, NS
B5A 2P5
Patient Guides available on
http://www.swndha.nshealth.ca/pages/guides.htm
SWH promotes a smoke free and scent free environment.
No scent is good sense
Prepared by – Diagnostic Imaging Department, SWH.
Revised October 2014
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