How is a Prostate Biopsy Done?
Pre-surgical Before the day of surgery, blood tests will be taken to determine the patient’s PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels and to make sure there is no other illness present. Once the patient has been medically cleared for surgery, the doctor may prescribe pre-surgical antibiotics to decrease the risk of infection after the procedure. Certain medications (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) may need to be stopped as long as two weeks prior to surgery because they could promote excess bleeding. Right before the procedure an enema may also be ordered, especially if a transrectal biopsy is being done. Anesthesia The anesthesia to be used will be discussed prior to surgery. It may depend on the type of procedure that will be used. General anesthesia is rarely used for prostate cancer biopsies. Local anesthetic is usually given to numb the area of the prostate gland where the tissue biopsy will be taken. Patients are also often given sedatives for a calming effect. Once anesthesia has b
