TRUS Prostate Biopsy
A simple, accurate way to know for sure.
If you’ve been told you need a prostate biopsy, it can feel unsettling. But a biopsy is the most reliable way to know whether you have prostate cancer and to get the right care if you need it. At UUA, we use a TRUS-guided (transrectal ultrasound) approach with a transperineal needle technique, making the procedure safer and more accurate.
Why Would I Need a Prostate Biopsy?
Your doctor may recommend a biopsy if:
- Your PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels are elevated
- A digital rectal exam (DRE) shows an abnormality
- You have a family history or other risk factors for prostate cancer
It’s completely normal to feel anxious about a biopsy. But remember, it’s an important step – not just for detecting cancer, but also for ruling it out. And if cancer is present, a biopsy helps guide the most effective treatment.
Despite being one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, prostate cancer has a relatively favorable prognosis. In Canada, the 5-year survival rate is around 91%, meaning the vast majority of men diagnosed with prostate cancer survive at least five years. This is largely due to its typically slow-growing nature and the effectiveness of early detection and treatment – yet another reason to get it diagnosed early.
What Makes Our TRUS-Guided Biopsy Different?
At UUA, we use a transperineal approach, which means we access the prostate without going through the rectal wall. This significantly reduces the risk of infection and bleeding compared to traditional transrectal methods. You get the answers you need with less risk of side effects.
While we take a standard number of cores (12), with the transperineal approach we sample areas of the prostate that are not usually within reach with transrectal ultrasound-guided approach.
How Does the Biopsy Work?
Preparation
We’ll review your medical history, explain the procedure, and answer any questions. For comfort, you’ll receive anesthesia of your choice.
Real-Time Imaging
An ultrasound probe is carefully placed to provide clear, real-time images of your prostate. This ensures we target the selected areas that we need to sample with more precision.
Tissue Sampling
A thin, precise needle is used to take small samples from different parts of the prostate. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes.
Results & Next Steps
Your biopsy results are typically ready in three weeks. You’ll need to follow up with your referring urologist to review the findings and discuss any next steps.
If the results show signs of cancer, don’t panic – there are effective options. Your urologist can explain the full range of treatments available, and if you’re interested in minimally invasive options, at UUA we offer advanced treatments designed to target cancer while preserving your quality of life.
TRUS stands for transrectal ultrasound. It’s a safe, precise imaging method that lets us clearly see the prostate in real-time.
Most men feel minimal discomfort. You’ll have anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the sampling.
The procedure itself takes about 20 minutes. You’ll be able to go home the same day.
Our transperineal approach avoids puncturing the rectal wall, significantly reducing infection risk compared to traditional methods.
You might notice mild discomfort, light bleeding in your urine or semen, or a small amount of bruising. These are normal and typically go away within a few days.
Results are usually ready within three weeks. You must reach out to your referring urologist to discuss your results and treatment plan.
Yes, the biopsy itself is covered by OHIP. A facility fee will apply to help cover the use of specialized equipment and ensure a comfortable, streamlined experience in a private clinical setting.
Schedule a consultation or request a biopsy using the form below.
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