What is a prostate biopsy and trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS)?
This biopsy is where small samples of tissue are taken from your prostate gland, using an ultrasound device. A small ultrasound probe is inserted rectally, identifying your prostate gland (in front of your rectum). This is called trans-rectal ultrasound, or TRUS. The TRUS helps to guide your doctor in performing the biopsy. The ultrasound test feels similar to a prostatic examination performed by your urologist. It is usually performed under a local anaesthetic with sedation. A small needle passes through the ultrasound probe and samples a small amount of your prostate tissue. Usually 12 needles samples are taken. The whole procedure takes about 15 minutes. Be aware that the biopsy needle does make quite a loud clicking noise associated with its firing mechanism.
