Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland present in men. It provides nutrition to sperm and assists in its transport. Certain conditions can enlarge the prostate, interfering with the flow of urine. When your doctor suspects prostate disease, a prostate biopsy is usually performed to remove a small sample of suspicious tissue from the prostate for further examination. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is a type of prostate biopsy that involves inserting an ultrasound probe through the rectum to guide a biopsy needle to collect a tissue sample for examination.

A TRUS prostrate biopsy may be indicated to evaluate the prostate for abnormalities such as enlargement, cancer or male infertility.

TRUS prostate biopsy is performed on an outpatient basis. During this procedure, you will be placed on your side with knees pulled up against the chest. In some cases, your doctor may ask you to lie on your stomach. The area around the anus is cleansed and a lubricant is applied to enable smooth insertion of the ultrasound probe into the rectum. Local anaesthesia is given to reduce the discomfort related with prostate biopsy. Images are generated with the help of transrectal ultrasonography to assist the doctor in guiding the biopsy needle to the prostate. After proper positioning of the biopsy device, thin cylindrical sections of tissue are obtained with a hollow spring-propelled needle. Usually about 10 to 12 tissue samples are obtained. This may cause an unpleasant sensation for a short period of time while the samples are being taken. The procedure is usually completed in 5 to 10 minutes.

As with any procedure a TRUS prostrate biopsy may involve certain risks and complications such as pain, bruising, dark brown blood in the semen or urine, infection, bleeding and difficulty urinating.