Generality
The ultrasound of the prostate is a diagnostic test aimed at the indirect vision of this gland, which enriches the seminal fluid with important components.
By capturing the intensity of the reflected ultrasounds and transforming them into electrical signals first and then into images, the ultrasound probe allows, with the aid of a computer, to reproduce images of the prostate on the appropriate screen. Thus, during a prostatic ultrasound the doctor can investigate the size and morphology of the gland, looking for lesions or abnormal formations.
PLEASE NOTE: For this particular method of execution, we speak of transrectal ultrasound of the prostate. However, there is another type of prostatic ultrasound, performed with suprapubic technique, which we will not deal with in the article.
The suprapubic ultrasound of the prostate is performed with a full bladder, positioning the ultrasound probe outside the body in the suprapubic area (approximately halfway between the navel and the base of the penis). However, this technique has some limitations compared to the previous one. substantially linked to the lower precision.
Biopsy
If necessary, after adequate anesthesia of the surrounding area, he has the possibility of taking small samples of prostate tissue to be examined in the laboratory. This procedure, called prostate biopsy, is essential for diagnosing cancer in the presence of altered PSA (prostate antigen) values. specific) and / or suspicion of abnormal formations after digital rectal exploration.
Applications
The transrectal ultrasound of the prostate therefore allows to:
- evaluate the size and morphology of the gland;
- investigate the causes responsible for high PSA levels or rectal exploration abnormalities (the urologist introduces his index into the patient's anus and feels the gland through the intestinal wall);
- make an early diagnosis of prostate cancer thanks to the subsequent microscopic examination of the samples taken via biopsy (ultrasound of the prostate alone is not considered a reliable technique for diagnosing prostate cancer and must necessarily be accompanied by biopsy); early, in turn, very often translates into a better and more effective therapeutic intervention;
- evaluate the state of health of the prostate as a "screening test" from the age of 50 onwards;
- evaluate the state of health of the prostate in the presence of suspicious symptoms or disorders, such as difficulty in urinating, decreased size and urinary stream, frequent urination, infertility;
- monitor the degree of effectiveness of the medical therapy undertaken to solve any prostate problems. Under ultrasound guidance, some therapies against prostate cancer are also performed, such as cryotherapy and brachytherapy.
Prostate tests
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How is it done?
During the prostate ultrasound, the patient lies on his left side, with his thighs flexed towards his chest. In all, the procedure takes about ten minutes; before inserting the probe, the doctor performs a preventive rectal examination with his own index to ascertain the absence of contraindications to the examination.
And "Painful?
Ultrasound of the prostate is not in itself a painful or annoying examination, but it can become one if a prostate biopsy is needed. In this case, very short and limited pains are typically felt during biopsy samples, which they are performed under local anesthesia.
In this case, the preparation for the exam becomes more complex, as it requires the suspension of a whole series of drugs possibly taken and the use of antibiotics in the days before and for a few days after the exam; the risk is also much greater. complications, generally however transitory.
Preparation
Before undergoing the examination it is not necessary to fast, but it is advisable to practice an enema within 3-4 hours from the appointment to empty the rectal ampoule and remove fecal residues from the rectum that could make the examination less easy; alternatively it is possible to use a glycerin suppository the night before and one the same morning. In this regard, however, it is important to carefully follow the instructions previously provided by the urologist who will perform the ultrasound of the prostate. Another important recommendation is to perform the examination with a full bladder, so it is recommended to keep the urine in the hour preceding the ultrasound by drinking about a liter of water.
