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Transperineal Prostate Biopsy in Atlanta

Our board-certified urologists specialize in MRI/ultrasound-guided transperineal prostate biopsy, delivering the most accurate prostate cancer diagnosis available.

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What Is a Transperineal Prostate Biopsy?

A transperineal prostate biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose prostate cancer by collecting small tissue samples from the prostate gland. Unlike the traditional transrectal approach, the transperineal technique accesses the prostate through the perineum, the area of skin between the scrotum and rectum, significantly reducing the risk of infection and improving accuracy.

At Atlanta Prostate Center, we perform MRI/ultrasound-guided transperineal prostate biopsy, which combines real-time ultrasound imaging with pre-procedure MRI scans to precisely target suspicious areas of the prostate. This MRI fusion approach means fewer missed cancers, fewer unnecessary repeat biopsies, and greater confidence in your diagnosis.

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Consultation and MRI Imaging

Before your biopsy, your doctor will review your PSA levels, medical history, and any previous test results. An MRI of the prostate is typically performed ahead of time to identify any suspicious areas that need to be targeted during the procedure.

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Preparation

You will receive instructions on any medications to pause before the procedure. A local anesthetic or sedation is administered to keep you comfortable throughout.

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Ultrasound Guidance Setup

A small ultrasound probe is positioned to provide real-time imaging of the prostate. This is combined with your pre-procedure MRI scans to create a precise map of the prostate, allowing your physician to accurately target areas of concern.

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Tissue Sample Collection

Using a thin needle inserted through the perineum, your physician collects small tissue samples from targeted areas of the prostate. The transperineal approach keeps the procedure away from the rectal wall, greatly reducing the risk of infection.

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Recovery

The procedure is typically completed within 30 to 45 minutes. Most patients go home the same day and resume normal activities within a day or two. Some mild discomfort and temporary urinary changes are normal.

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Results

Your tissue samples are sent to a pathology lab for analysis. Your care team will follow up with you to discuss your results and next steps.

Who Is a Candidate for Transperineal Prostate Biopsy?

A transperineal prostate biopsy may be recommended for any man who needs prostate tissue sampled for diagnosis or monitoring. Your doctor may suggest this procedure if you:

Have an elevated or rising PSA level

Have abnormal findings on a digital rectal exam

Have suspicious areas identified on a prostate MRI

Had a previous negative biopsy but PSA levels remain a concern

Are currently on active surveillance and need periodic monitoring

Are at higher risk for infection and need a safer alternative to the transrectal approach

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The Benefits of MRI-Guided Prostate Biopsy

A standard biopsy takes random tissue samples from the prostate, which means suspicious areas can be missed entirely. MRI/ultrasound-guided biopsy changes that.

At Atlanta Prostate Center, we use MRI fusion prostate biopsy technology, which overlays a pre-procedure MRI with real-time ultrasound imaging to create a precise, three-dimensional map of the prostate. This allows our physicians to see exactly where suspicious tissue is located and target those areas directly during the biopsy. The benefits of MRI-guided prostate biopsy include:

Greater accuracy

Suspicious areas identified on MRI are targeted precisely, reducing the chance of a missed diagnosis

Fewer samples needed

Targeted sampling means less tissue removed and less discomfort

Fewer repeat biopsies

More accurate results mean fewer patients need to undergo a second procedure

Earlier detection

Clinically significant cancers are more likely to be identified at an earlier, more treatable stage