Division of Urologic Surgery
The Division of Urologic Surgery, part of the Department of Surgery, offers exceptional patient care, research programs, and education and training opportunities.
Prostate Biopsy
Trusted diagnosis through prostate biopsy procedure
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Discover Expert Prostate Biopsy Care
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) offers the latest in prostate biopsy. Your doctor may order a prostate biopsy to help diagnose a prostate problem or investigate symptoms you’re having.
Understanding Prostate Biopsy
During a prostate gland biopsy, your doctor removes a small tissue sample from the prostate. They send it to the laboratory for close analysis. You may need to undergo a prostate biopsy if you’re experiencing certain symptoms or if the results of your prostate specific antigen (PSA) test came back as elevated. You may undergo a prostate biopsy as part of cancer screening.
Getting Your Results
Our team will send the results of your biopsy to the doctor who ordered the test. They will explain the results to you and discuss how they will inform the next steps of your care plan. Your biopsy results will also be available on your patient portal.
More About Prostate Biopsy
Image-Guided Prostate Biopsy
We offer image-guided prostate biopsy. This advanced imaging procedure allows us to offer the most precise imaging available.
Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Needle Biopsy
If you are undergoing an ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, you should take the following steps to prepare:
- Start antibiotics as your doctor prescribed.
- Eat a light breakfast or lunch before the biopsy.
- If you are on blood-thinning medication, follow the recommended use by your physician. You may take Tylenol.
If you are undergoing a transrectal ultrasound, your doctor may perform a biopsy at the same time.
MRI-Guided Prostate Needle Biopsy
If you are undergoing an MRI-guided fusion biopsy, specialized computer software will fuse your MRI image and an ultrasound image of your prostate into a single image. This makes it easier for your urologist to target the unhealthy areas for biopsy.
What to Expect After a Prostate Needle Biopsy
Following the biopsy, there is a small chance that you will experience a blood-tinged discharge from the tip of your penis. You may, therefore, find it convenient to bring some type of protection, such as one of the following items:
- Athletic supporter
- Incontinence pad
- Menstrual pad
You should also follow these directions after prostate biopsy:
- You should not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products for one week after the biopsy.
- You should not do any strenuous physical exercise for one week after the biopsy.
- You may notice blood in your ejaculate for up to six weeks.
- Avoid heavy lifting or straining for one month.
- You may have small amounts of blood in the urine or stool for up to four days. If it persists longer, please call your doctor.
- Finish your antibiotics as your doctor prescribed.
- Call your doctor's office in 7-10 days for the results of your biopsy, if they have not called you by then.
Call our office if you develop a temperature over 101°.
