Transperineal Prostate Biopsy
Suspicion of prostate cancer can be worrying, but the path to an accurate diagnosis has never been safer or more reliable.
At St. Catherine Specialty Hospital, we offer patients a transperineal prostate biopsy, a modern method of tissue sampling that represents a significant advancement compared to the traditional transrectal biopsy.
By combining state-of-the-art technology (MRI/US) with a minimally invasive approach, we ensure the highest level of precision while significantly reducing the risk of infection. The main advantage is the markedly reduced risk of serious infections and sepsis, often eliminating the need for preventive high-dose antibiotics. It also provides better access to specific parts of the prostate (e.g., the anterior part) that are harder to reach with the classical method.
What is a transperineal biopsy and what makes it unique?
A transperineal prostate biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which small samples of prostate tissue are taken for histopathological analysis when there is suspicion of prostate disease based on elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, findings from a digital rectal exam (DRE), and/or prostate multiparametric MRI (mpMRI).
Unlike the traditional transrectal biopsy, in this approach the needle enters through the skin of the perineum (the area between the scrotum and the anus), not through the rectum.
Key benefits for the patient
- Safety: minimal risk of infection (as the needle does not pass through the rectal wall, which contains many bacteria), often eliminating the need for strong preventive antibiotics
- Precision: enables access to all parts of the prostate, including the anterior region, which is often difficult to reach with the classical method
- Painlessness: the procedure is performed under local anesthesia or short sedation, providing maximum comfort
What does the procedure look like?
At St. Catherine Specialty Hospital, the process is carefully designed to be fast, efficient and as comfortable as possible for the patient:
- Before the procedure, a multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the prostate is usually performed. Our expert team uses these images to precisely locate suspicious lesions. The images are then fused with real-time ultrasound during the biopsy, allowing us to accurately target suspicious tissue instead of sampling randomly.
- The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, with a nerve block around the prostate similar to dental anesthesia, ensuring that the patient feels no pain. Short-term sedation is also available upon request.
- During the biopsy, the urologist places an ultrasound probe into the rectum (for imaging only; the needle does not pass through the rectum). Through the perineal skin, a thin needle is inserted to precisely take small cylindrical tissue samples. Thanks to a special guiding system (“grid” or “stepper”), we can systematically map the entire prostate. The procedure usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
- No stitches are required afterward because the needle punctures are very small. A small compressive dressing or adhesive bandage is applied to the puncture site.
What to expect after the procedure?
Recovery is quick, and the patient goes home the same day after a short period of observation. Most patients return to normal activities the following day. It is recommended to avoid heavy physical exertion, sexual activity, exercise, and cycling for 2–3 days after the procedure.
Why choose St. Catherine Specialty Hospital
In our Center of Excellence for Urology, we combine the expertise of top urologists with the most advanced diagnostic equipment. Our goal is not only to make an accurate diagnosis but to do so in the safest possible way, preserving the patient’s quality of life.
Do you have elevated PSA or a suspicious prostate finding? Don’t wait!
Contact us with confidence and undergo diagnostics according to world-class standards.
