Bring with you to your appointment your:
- Government-issued health card (OHIP card)
When you arrive at the hospital, check in at the Prostate and General Ultrasound reception desk on the 4th floor Rm 4-833. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. An assistant will come to get you when it is time for your scan.
You will then meet the radiologist before your tests. Let the radiologist know if you have any questions.
You will be given a form to fill out. This form contains questions about your background. We collect this information to find out who we serve and what unique needs you may have.
The form is voluntary and you can choose ‘prefer not to answer’ to any or all questions. However, the information you chose to give us will help us improve the quality of care for you and others.
A prostate ultrasound exam is done transrectally. It is called a transrectal ultrasound, or TRUS. The
radiologist will ask you to lie on your side with your knees bent. A disposable protective cover is placed over the ultrasound probe. It is lubricated and gently inserted through the anus into the rectum.
To help you prepare, download the
TRUS (Transrectal Ultrasound of the Prostate with/without Biopsy) (PDF) brochure.
The radiologist writes the report on what was found in your ultrasound and sends the report to your electronic health record.
Once the report is in your health record, your doctor can review it. Your doctor will give you the results of the scan.
Sometimes small samples of prostate tissue are taken at the same time as the ultrasound is done. This is called a biopsy. The
radiologist uses the ultrasound probe to guide biopsy needles through the rectum to the prostate. This test may be slightly uncomfortable, but it does not last long. A local anesthetic (freezing) can be used to lessen the discomfort.
A transrectal ultrasound appointment can take between 30 and 60 minutes.
A prostate biopsy takes about 10 minutes. After the procedure you will be asked to rest lying down for 20 minutes and then to wait in the waiting room for another 20 to 30 minutes. You should make arrangements for someone to accompany you home. You should not drive yourself.
We do our best to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays. For example, make arrangements for babysitting, elder care, and parking so that you can accommodate a longer than usual appointment.
