Prostrate Biopsy

[6big]

Has anyone on the forum had any experience of having a Transperenial prostrate biopsy done it the one where they put the needles through the area between the scrotum and anus

[Conjuror]

Hi, the hospital assumed just a local anaesthetic without asking me. My friend, who had had the procedure before, said ask for a general anaesthetic which I did and the hospital complied. The result was a far more pleasant experience I am sure.

[Tremcad]

I had a transperineal prostate biopsy last year. Because I have a separate health issue preventing me from having a general anaesthetic, my urologist arranged with the anaesthetist to do the procedure with a spinal anaesthetic and some sort of calming intravenous drug which almost put me to sleep. It went well with no after effects or side effects. It is obvious that there was no need for a general anaesthetic.

By the way, the biopsy showed early prostate cancer that had not moved outside my prostate. I was given the choice of an operation to remove the prostate completely or have radiation therapy. I chose radiation which meant 15 minutes for 5 days for 4 weeks lying back and having the cancer zapped. No significant side effects and no pain before or after. The young people who led me through this treatment were wonderful. My PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood tests after 3 and 6 months have gone from 7 (before the radiation treatment) to 0.48 and probable further decrease. I will continue regular testing.

I was told by the urologist and oncologist that the MRI scans I had before treatment could not show all individual cancer cells, so there is a possibility that more cancer might develop in future. However that won't be for a long time (and it might happen whether my prostate was removed or not).

I am so pleased that I have access to excellent health care (largely free but not entirely so). The medical professionals are "miracle" workers.

My urologist says that every male over the age of 35 should have a yearly PSA blood test. If your GP says that's not necessary, insist on it.

I'm sorry this message is so long. But I really hope everyone has taken notice of that last paragraph.