Newly dagnosed

Nursery, I had a transrectal biopsy eight years ago and it found 10 out of 12 cancerous samples, i described it as a walk in the park and I had no issues. But.

Time and techniques move on and the trans perennial is now considered by many to be the way to go. I am sure the guys with experience of the trans perennial with give you thier experiences.

Thanks Chris

Just had a trans perennial biopsy. Not a comfortable procedure but not overtly painful in anyway. The worse part being the injection of LA into the prostrate. They also stick a ultra sound scanner into your back passage to help guide them to the correct spot.

No infection but our urology department does give you antibiotics before the procedure. 

Bled a little after the biopsy, but not for long. You can expect some blood in urine and seman for a little while after, which can be a bit disconcerting but considered normal.

I was back at work in the afternoon, in gym the next day and on a 15 miler at the weekend. I would guess everyone's experience is different though.

Edited by member 19 May 2022 at 20:40  | Reason: Needed to clarify that a ultra sound scanner

There is a third type - image guided transrectal - which seems to be replacing transperineal in some hospitals because it doesn't require theatre time.

The old style trans-rectal biopsy is becoming less popular because it is, in effect, like sticking a pin into a fruit cake and hoping to spear a cherry - not very scientific. The newer trans-rectal biopsy uses the images from mpMRI scan to pinpoint where the suspicious areas are and then take samples (cores) from those areas, so it is much more reliable. Transperineal can sample the back of the prostate, where transrectal cannot reach. Both transperineal and image guided transrectal have their benefits and negatives. Blood in the urine and ejaculate is as likely with either, but not all men experience it. In terms of pain / discomfort, it depends whether the transperineal biopsy is under general or local anaesthetic - hospitals vary on which they offer.

Many men describe transrectal as similar to going to the dentist - the injection is the worst part -  or that the core sampling feels similar to being pinged with an elastic band. On the other hand, a smaller group of men describe the biopsy as horrific. I suspect that the level of anxiety a man is experiencing coupled with his personal feelings about anything being put up his backside can sometimes affect how awful he remembers the biopsy to have been later. My husband had a transrectal biopsy on his way to work; he hadn't asked any questions beforehand, was quite ignorant of what would happen so he didn't anticipate any problems and, as it happens, didn't have any problems apart from them finding cancer.   

Edited by member 19 May 2022 at 20:21  | Reason: Not specified

Interesting point you make about theatre time, Lyn. My TP was done in a side room in outpatients dept. I suppose one benefit of that was I had no anxiety associated with entering an operating theatre. 

There is a higher risk of infection with TRUS as cores are extracted through the Rectum with risk of carrying fecal material into the Prostate with the needles. For this reason alone I would favour the Transperineal one and indeed I read that my treating hospital had not used TRUS for years.

There was only the slightest tinge of blood in my urine from all three and nothing after two or three days, although some may find this goes on for a week or two, partly depending on number of cores taken and how easily they heal.

Thank you all for your immediate replies.  I have now discovered that my hospital only does Transperineal  so that is a relief.  It's not clear yet whether this is under local or general (hoping for latter)!  I'm very new to this and I'm sure that I will have more questions later.  Thanks again.

I didn't have a score of any description but he was in a hurry! He said we could watch and wait or have the biopsy to confirm. After discussions with the wife we decided that we would rather know for sure rather than just wondering!

Waiting for the biopsy date now but it's useful to know what to ask for regarding staging and Gleason score. When it's your first encounter with PC you feel a bit naïve so receiving posts like yours is really helpful.