Prostate biopsy, in-office

Prostate biopsy is indicated when prostate cancer is strongly suspected. It confirms the diagnosis but also guides the type of treatment. Traditionally, it has been performed using ultrasound inside the rectum to guide the procedure However, this procedure is linked to a considerable risk of infection due to potential contamination with rectal bacteria. In addition, this approach does not always give access to areas of the prostate needed for appropriate diagnosis. A newer approach to the prostate involves using a needle placed through the skin of the perineum after applying local anesthesia. A transperineal prostate biopsy can be performed under MRI guidance. This biopsy may require general anesthesia, but some centers perform it as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia.