Prostate Biopsy

In some specific cases, a so-called “saturation biopsy” may be necessary.

This involves taking a standardised biopsy using a template – i.e. a uniform collection of fragments from every part of the prostate – to obtain 30, 40 or more fragments depending on the volume of the prostate. It is generally performed perineally (rather than the more common transrectally).

A saturation biopsy can be used on patients who are highly suspected of having prostate cancer (by digital rectal exam or PSA) but whose prior biopsies have been negative (i.e. free of neoplastic cells).

The technique is recommended for these patients for “definitive” etiological clarification.

In some highly selective cases, it may be performed with a view to doing a focal prostate treatment (i.e. in which only part of the organ is treated without surgically removing all of it or without treating its entire volume, for example with cryotherapy).

In these cases, it is essential to ascertain the area or areas of the prostate affected by the tumour so that these can be treated and the rest of the organ preserved.

 

Transrectal Prostate Biopsy Complications

Complications that can occur with this procedure are haemorrhaging and infection (prostatitis).

To combat these complications, patients receive clear preparatory instructions. These include not taking antiaggregant and anticoagulant medication a few days before, doing a micro-enema for an intestinal/rectal cleanse and taking prophylactic antibiotics starting the night before the exam and usually for 5 days afterwards.

The urologists at the Instituto da Próstata have years of experience in performing this and other prostate-related exams, ensuring maximum effectiveness with the minimum possible discomfort. They are performed in line with the recommended guidelines of the world’s most important and prestigious urology associations.