Please have any pathology or radiology tests competed if requested during your appointment. Take your normal medications unless told otherwise by Dr Murray or the anaesthetist. Please notify Dr Murray if you take any blood thinners as (except for aspirin) these require withholding for a period prior to the procedure. The procedure requires a general or spinal anaesthetic therefore you will need to fast for six hours prior to the procedure. Please ensure someone has been arranged to drive you home as you cannot drive following the anaesthetic.

After administration of the anaesthetic the ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum. A biopsy guide placed on the perineal skin. A core biopsy needle is inserted through the skin and the ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the target area in the prostate and a core biopsy is taken. This process is repeated until all areas of the prostate are biopsied.

A short period of time is required in the recovery room while the anaesthetic wears off. It is necessary to ensure you can void prior to discharge. Expect some blood in the urine and a stinging sensation when you void, this usually settles with 24 hours. You may develop discomfort and bruising in the perineum and should plan at least two days off work following the procedure.

Dr Murray will see you prior to discharge to discuss the findings, make arrangements for any further tests and confirm follow up arrangements.

Transperineal prostate biopsy is a minor procedure and serious complications are rare. Risks and complications include but are not limited to:

1. Haematuria (blood in the urine) is common and usually settles in one or two days

2. Dysuria (stinging sensation when voiding) is common and usually settles in one or two days

3. Perineal bruising and discomfort, usually settles within one week

4. Urinary tract infection and/or systemic sepsis (rare, less than 1% risk)

5. Urinary retention (uncommon 1% risk)