Prostate Biopsy FAQs
What is the diagnosis or pathology being treated by this procedure or surgery?
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A prostate biopsy is performed to evaluate a man for prostate cancer due to an elevated spa, a prostate irregularity or nodule, or abnormal imaging of the prostate such as an abnormal MRI.
Can you describe the procedure or draw a picture?
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A prostate biopsy is done with the patient on their side or in lithotomy. after local anesthesia. Using ultrasound the urologist will inject local anesthesia and then survey the prostate using the ultrasound. Thin-core samples are taken via a transrectal or transperineal needle—typically 10–12 cores, though number varies. If a patient has an abnormal MRI then additional biopsies are taken to target the suspicious area seen on the MRI. The procedure lasts 10-15 minutes.
What are the benefits of doing this procedure?
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A prostate biopsy helps determine if a man has prostate cancer. The tissue taken during a biopsy also informs the doctors how aggressive or risky the cancer may be.
What are the risks of doing the procedure?
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Temporary bleeding (urine, rectum, semen) is common and may last a couple of days. Serious bleeding is rare but does occur.
Infection (may need antibiotics or hospitalization)
Urinary retention needing temporary catheterization
Expected pain/manageable with local anesthesia and oral pain meds
Possible false‑negative or false‑positive results leading to delayed diagnosis or unnecessary treatment.
Are there alternatives to this procedure I should be considering?
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Men choosing not to do a prostate biopsy have some alternativeto determine cancer risk but there are no other tests that can diagnose the cancer. Often men have already had an MRI. A negative MRI decreases the chance of finding cancer on a biopsy but can’t totally rule out cancer.
Men will monitor their PSA levels and prostate exams done by the urologist. Blood or urine tests exist (4K score, iso-PSA, PHI, urine testing can help men classify their risk further prio to a biopsy
Is this a common procedure?
Yes, this is a very common procedure done at our offices at Minnesota Urology
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Men advised to have a biopsy should have at the next available time. Delaying the biospy can delay the diagnosis of cancer
Should I do the procedure now or what happens if I wait to do the procedure?
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How do I prepare for this surgery or procedure?
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Preparation involved stopping blood thinning medication. On the day of the biopsy men will give themselves an enema prior to coming in for the biopsy. Men will also be given an antibiotic injection as well as taking an antibiotic prior to the biopsy to prevent infection
How do I recover from this procedure?
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Men will be required to rest for a day or two after the biopsy. Most all men can then returns to normal activity following the procedure.
Is this procedure covered by insurance?
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Yes, this is covered by insurance.