Transrectal biopsy of the prostate guided by transrectal ultrasound.

The use of transrectal ultrasound in combination with the Biopty System provides a high accurate, efficient, and safe method for the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer. Because both diagnosis and staging may be attained easily using one comprehensive procedure, we recommend ultrasound guidance be used for all initial biopsies of the prostate. When transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of a palpable hypoechoic abnormality is negative for cancer, digitally guided biopsy must subsequently be performed. In some cases, palpable abnormality may not be seen on ultrasound. We advocate the use of our biopsy procedure as an integral extension of transrectal ultrasound of the prostate. In an outpatient setting, biopsy may be performed immediately after finding a suspect lesion on ultrasound. In this way, patients are spared time and anxiety, and society is spared medical costs.