A patient may take about four to six weeks or even more recover after a prostate biopsy. The recovery process after biopsy usually depends on the patient's health and age. Doctors may recommend only light activities for 24-48 hours after a prostate biopsy. The doctor prescribes painkillers, vitamins, and antibiotics for a few days to speed up the healing process.
After the biopsy, it is normal to experience the following sensations or symptoms:
- Burning urination: It may start within 24 hours after the biopsy and may continue until three to seven days. This burning sensation is a side effect of the procedure and usually considered normal.
- Frequent urination: It may gradually improve over the first 24-36 hours.
- Blood in the urine: It is considered normal to have slightly red-tinged urine or urine that resembles the color of a rose or red wine. This may last from 12 hours to 3 weeks after the biopsy.
- Blood in stool: A patient may notice red stains on the toilet tissue or see some bloody streaks in the stool. This may last for up to five days.
- Blood in the semen: This may persist for up to six weeks after the biopsy.
- Tiredness: A patient may feel tired for a month or two. It usually takes 30-45 days to regain full normal strength after the procedure; hence, sufficient rest is usually advised by the doctor.
Post-biopsy restrictions and instructions:
- Avoid sexual activity for seven days.
- Avoid heavy lifting, exercising, and golfing for at least seven days.
- Try to avoid straining with bowel movements. Patients may use an over-the-counter stool softener if necessary.
- Medications for preexisting conditions should be taken as per the doctor’s instructions.
- Do not take alcohol while on antibiotics and painkillers.
Why is a prostate biopsy done?
A prostate biopsy is done to screen for prostate cancers. This is to confirm whether cancer is present, or if a prostate cancer diagnosis is aggressive. In a prostate biopsy, small samples of the prostate are removed and then observed under the microscope. Doctors usually recommend a biopsy of the prostate gland based on certain findings.
- If prostate-specific antigen blood test results are higher than the average age
- If the doctor detects signs of a prostate problem during a digital rectal exam
- If a biopsy is the only method to confirm the cancer
A prostate biopsy involves:
- Collecting minute samples of the prostate gland. A computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is also used to guide them through the procedure.
- A prostate biopsy takes about 10 minutes and is usually done in the doctor’s office. The samples will be sent to a lab and will be looked at under a microscope to see if they contain cancer cells.
- If cancer is detected in the patient, it will also be assigned a grade. The results are available after one to three days, but it can sometimes take longer.
A prostate biopsy may be done in several different ways which may include:
- Transrectal method: This is the most common approach. Biopsies are done using a transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) technique. A TRUS prostate biopsy is where the needle goes through the wall of the last part of the gut (rectum).
- Perineal method: This is done through the skin between the scrotum and the rectum.
- Transurethral method: This is a type of biopsy done through the urethra using a cystoscope (a flexible tube and viewing device).
- Transperineal biopsy: The doctor inserts a needle into the prostate through the skin between the testicles and the anus. This area is called the perineum.
- Targeted biopsy: The needle is inserted through a template or grid. This is a targeted biopsy, which can target a specific area of the prostate using MRI scans. An advantage of the transperineal biopsy is that it can now be performed under local anesthesia.
IMAGES
Prostate Illustrion Browse through our medical image collection to see illustrations of human anatomy and physiology See ImagesReferences
What Is a Prostate Biopsy? (https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/what-is-prostate-biopsy#1)
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/urology/ProstateBiopsyPostOp.pdf
Complete List
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dutasteride
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