Your doctor has requested a biopsy of your prostate gland. The biopsy can help diagnose any evidence of cancer or inflammation. The prostate is not very sensitive to the sampling procedure, and the vast majority of men tolerate it very well. Typically, the anxiety they experience prior to the biopsy is considerably worse than the biopsy itself. At Cedars-Sinai's S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center we have an expert team of physicians, nurses and technologists who are highly trained in ultrasound imaging.
Your doctor will order some blood tests to be done prior to your biopsy.
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for you to take the day before, the day of and the day after your biopsy.
Do not take aspirin or aspirin containing products for seven days before your biopsy.
Occasionally other prescription medications may need to be stopped prior to your biopsy (your doctor will inform you if this is the case).
The morning of your biopsy you will need to give yourself a Fleet enema. The enema is available from your local pharmacy. The enema will make the procedure more comfortable for you.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
Prior to the biopsy, an imaging physician will explain the biopsy and risks of the procedure to you. You will be asked to sign a consent form.
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and to lie on the examination table on your left side.
Prior to biopsy, some ultrasound images of your prostate will be obtained.
A lubricated probe, called a transducer, will be inserted into your rectum.
Initial imaging will take approximately 20 minutes.
The imaging physician will review the images to determine where the biopsy specimens will be taken.
For the actual biopsy the transducer will again be inserted into your rectum. This time the transducer will have a special biopsy guide attached to it.
A small needle will be placed into the guide and the specimens - usually six to eight - will be quickly obtained.
Once the specimens are obtained, the transducer and biopsy guide will be removed from your rectum.
After the procedure you will rest for two to three hours.
Your blood pressure and pulse will be checked periodically by a registered nurse.
You will be allowed to go to the restroom.
Do not be alarmed if you see blood in your urine. This is normal.
After you are allowed to go home, don't forget to take the rest of your antibiotics.
You may experience some mucous or small amount of bleeding from your rectum after the biopsy.
There may be some minor discomfort after the biopsy and some small amount of blood in the urine or rectum for up to 48 hours. Blood in the semen is also common. These are not cause for concern if the amounts are small.
Your study will be read by an imaging physician and results sent to your doctor, usually within 48 hours. Your doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
If you have problems related to your procedure, please call (310) 423-8000.
To request a copy of your images on a CD or film, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center parking is located at the corner of San Vicente Boulevard and Gracie Allen Drive. Enter off Sherbourne Drive.
You can also park in the Medical Center North Tower off George Burns Road.
The cost is $3.50 with validation, which is available in the lobby of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center. There is a large metal sculpture in the shape of the number "8" in front of the center.
There is a curbside patient drop-off zone on Gracie Allen Drive.
