What is a CT-Guided Prostate Biopsy?

If an earlier scan of your prostate has shown abnormalities, your Urologist may request a biopsy in order to find out exactly what is the matter. During this scan any visible abnormalities will be biopsied with a needle. During the scan, Computed Tomography images are used to guide the needle into the most suspicious regions.

What happens during a CT-Guided Prostate Biopsy?

A. Before your scan

What to bring

• Your request form
• Any relevant previous imaging
• Your Medicare card and any concession cards

Preparation – In the week before your scan

You must advise us of any blood-thinning medication your are taking such as Aspirin, Warfarin, Plavix or Iscover and stop taking it for a period of time before your treatment. Please contact us for advice.

Preparation – On the day of the scan

You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding your health status, medication, and any known allergies. You will be asked to change into a gown for your scan.

B. During your a CT-Guided Prostate Biopsy

Procedure

When you are transferred to the CT room you will be made comfortable on the examination table. The examination table slides you into the centre of the CT machine and some preliminary pictures are taken to confirm the scan position and the area of needle entry marked on your skin.

Your skin will then be cleaned and a local anaesthetic will be injected into site. This may temporary sting until the skin becomes numb (up to 30 seconds).

The doctor will use CT guidance to determine the location of your prostate. He/she will then insert a thin tube, called the needle guide. The doctor will connect the needle guide to a biopsy apparatus.

It may be necessary to make more than one pass of the needle to achieve the proper location and ensure an adequate sample is taken for testing.

Risks and side effects

A CT Biopsy is a low risk procedure – find out more about CT Risks and Side Effects.

Complications are rare during this procedure however you should be informed of the possible risks and side effects which include:

• You may experience a small amount of bleeding from the rectum or perineum immediately after the biopsy procedure. If this occurs, it will cease with gentle pressure.
• Blood in the sperm, urine and feces is common in the days after the procedure, but usually goes away within a week or two.
• Infection is very rare, but can be severe if untreated. If you experience signs of infection such as fever (temperature above 38.5 degrees) and chills within a few days of the procedure, seek medical assistance immediately.
• You may feel pain and discomfort in the area of the prostate for a day or two after the biopsy, particularly when seated.

Who will perform my scan?

Our experienced medical imaging team will perform your CT-Guided Prostate Biopsy.

What happens after a CT-Guided Prostate Biopsy?

How do I get my results?

After your appointment, the information from your scan is processed and interpreted by Envision’s specialist Radiologists before delivery of a report to your doctor or specialist.

Post procedural information

You will be able to return to gentle daily activities after your procedure. You may feel pain and discomfort in the area of the prostate for a day or two after the biopsy, particularly when seated.

Infection is very rare, but can be severe if untreated. If you experience signs of infection such as fever (temperature above 38.5 degrees) and chills within a few days of the procedure, seek medical assistance immediately.