Patient Instructions for Minor Procedures
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Prostate Biopsy
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Cystoscopy
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What is a Prostate Biopsy?
A prostate biopsy is the confirmatory test for prostate cancer. If you have been scheduled for a biopsy, there is some suspicion that you may have a prostate cancer, based on an elevated blood test (PSA) or an abnormally feeling prostate on examination. Only a biopsy can confirm if there is a cancer present; there is presently no other test available anywhere that can serve this purpose. It is a relatively painless procedure that is performed in-office, without the need for anesthesia, and you are able to go home afterwards.
A prostate biopsy is the confirmatory test for prostate cancer. If you have been scheduled for a biopsy, there is some suspicion that you may have a prostate cancer, based on an elevated blood test (PSA) or an abnormally feeling prostate on examination. Only a biopsy can confirm if there is a cancer present; there is presently no other test available anywhere that can serve this purpose. It is a relatively painless procedure that is performed in-office, without the need for anesthesia, and you are able to go home afterwards.
Refer to the Prostate Biopsy Section in Prostate Cancer on this website for more information about the procedure itself.
Before Your Procedure
Tell us if you:
- Take medication to thin your blood (anticoagulants), such as:
- Aspirin
- Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
- Dalteparin (Fragmin®)
- Heparin
- Warfarin (Coumadin®)
- Take steroids such as prednisone.
- Take any other medications, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, or natural or home remedies.
- Have taken any antibiotics in the past 3 months.
- Have any sort of heart condition.
- Have implanted devices such as knee or hip replacements.
- Are allergic to any medications.
- Are allergic to latex.
- Had a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the last month.
- Had an infection or were hospitalized after a previous prostate biopsy.
- Have a history of Achilles tendon injuries or tendonitis.
- Have difficulty hearing.
- Work in a hospital or nursing home.
5 to 7 days before your procedure
- Stop taking:
- Aspirin
- Medications that contain aspirin
- Vitamin E
2 days before your procedure
- Stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as:
- Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®)
- Naproxen (Aleve®)
The Day of Your Procedure
- Eat your regular breakfast the morning of your procedure.
- We recommend that you have a responsible adult take you home after your procedure.
- Antibiotics: You will need to take an antibiotic to prevent infection from the biopsy. We will tell you which antibiotic you will take and give you a prescription. You may take one of the antibiotics listed below.
- Oral antibiotics
- Ciprofloxacin 500 mg (2 tablets)
- Take the first tablet 2 hours before your procedure.
- Take the second tablet 12 hours later.
- Cefuroxime (Ceftin) 500 mg (2 tablets)
- Take the first tablet 2 hours before your procedure.
- Take the second tablet 12 hours later.
After Your Procedure
Temporary effects on your stool, urine, and semen:
- You may see blood in your stool. You may also have a small amount of bleeding coming from your rectum. This can occur right after your procedure or for the next few days when you move your bowels.
- Blood may be in your urine for 7 to 14 days after your procedure. This bleeding may come and go.
- Increase how much liquids you drink for 3 days after your procedure. Try to drink double the amount of liquids that you usually drink. This will help to flush out your bladder, prevent infection, and minimize the amount of blood in your urine.
- Your semen may appear “rusty” for up to 12 weeks after the biopsy. This is because small amounts of blood may be in it.
Activity
- Do not engage in any sexual activity for 3 days after your procedure.
- For the next 5 days after your procedure, do not do any sports, work out in a gym, ride a bicycle, or lift any objects heavier than 10 pounds.
Test Results
- Your test results will be ready in 10 days after your biopsy. We will schedule an appointment to explain the results to you. You can also ask for a copy of your results.
Call Us or your Family Doctor, or go directly to a Casualty Department, if You Develop:
- Bright red blood or large clots in your urine
- Heavy or continued bleeding out of your rectum
- An inability to urinate
- A temperature of 101° F (38.3° C) or higher
- Shaking chills
- Dizziness
What is a cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is a minor, non-invasive procedure during which a small camera is used to inspect the lining of your urinary bladder. It is an endoscopic procedure, so there is no incision (cut). A cystoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera and light on the end, is passed through your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your bladder) and into your bladder. Magnified images from the camera are displayed on a screen where we can see if there is any abnormality. It is a totally painless procedure; you will only feel your bladder filling with water as tho you want to urinate.
PURPOSE
You need to have a cystoscopy if you see blood in you urine. Other situations that may prompt a cystoscopy to be arranged for you include:
A cystoscopy can reveal several conditions, including bladder tumors, stones, or cancer. We can also use this procedure to diagnose:
A cystoscopy can also be used to treat underlying bladder conditions. We can pass tiny surgical tools through the scope to remove small bladder tumors and stones or to take a sample of bladder tissue.
Other uses include:
Preparing for a cystoscopy
You may need antibiotics before and after the procedure if you have a Urinary Tract Infection or a weak immune system. You may also need to give a urine sample before the test.
Ask your doctor if you can continue taking any regular medications. Certain medications can cause excessive bleeding during the procedure.
Anesthesia during a cystoscopy
The procedure is most often performed in the office as an outpatient procedure. You will need some form of anesthesia, most commonly in the form of Local gel. This means you’ll be awake, but don’t be concerned as it is a totally painless procedure. You can drink and eat normally on your appointment day and go home immediately after the procedure.
PROCEDURE
Just before the cystoscopy, you need go to the bathroom to empty your bladder. Then, you change into a surgical gown and lie down on your back on a treatment table.
Your urethra will be numbed with an anesthetic gel. You’ll still feel some sensations, but the gel makes the procedure painless. The scope is carefully insert it into the urethra.
We are able to look through a lens as the scope enters your bladder. A sterile solution also flows through to flood your bladder, making it easier to see what’s going on. The fluid might give you an uncomfortable feeling of needing to urinate.
With local anesthesia, your cystoscopy may take less than five minutes.
Cystoscopy is a minor, non-invasive procedure during which a small camera is used to inspect the lining of your urinary bladder. It is an endoscopic procedure, so there is no incision (cut). A cystoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera and light on the end, is passed through your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your bladder) and into your bladder. Magnified images from the camera are displayed on a screen where we can see if there is any abnormality. It is a totally painless procedure; you will only feel your bladder filling with water as tho you want to urinate.
PURPOSE
You need to have a cystoscopy if you see blood in you urine. Other situations that may prompt a cystoscopy to be arranged for you include:
- frequent urinary tract infections
- an overactive bladder (having to urinate very often)
- pelvic pain
A cystoscopy can reveal several conditions, including bladder tumors, stones, or cancer. We can also use this procedure to diagnose:
- blockages
- enlarged prostate gland
- noncancerous growths
- problems with the ureters (tubes connecting your bladder to your kidneys)
A cystoscopy can also be used to treat underlying bladder conditions. We can pass tiny surgical tools through the scope to remove small bladder tumors and stones or to take a sample of bladder tissue.
Other uses include:
- Taking a urine sample to check for tumors or infection
- Checking how effectively your bladder empties or interprets the filling sensation
- Injecting dye so kidney problems can be identified on an X-ray
Preparing for a cystoscopy
You may need antibiotics before and after the procedure if you have a Urinary Tract Infection or a weak immune system. You may also need to give a urine sample before the test.
Ask your doctor if you can continue taking any regular medications. Certain medications can cause excessive bleeding during the procedure.
Anesthesia during a cystoscopy
The procedure is most often performed in the office as an outpatient procedure. You will need some form of anesthesia, most commonly in the form of Local gel. This means you’ll be awake, but don’t be concerned as it is a totally painless procedure. You can drink and eat normally on your appointment day and go home immediately after the procedure.
PROCEDURE
Just before the cystoscopy, you need go to the bathroom to empty your bladder. Then, you change into a surgical gown and lie down on your back on a treatment table.
Your urethra will be numbed with an anesthetic gel. You’ll still feel some sensations, but the gel makes the procedure painless. The scope is carefully insert it into the urethra.
We are able to look through a lens as the scope enters your bladder. A sterile solution also flows through to flood your bladder, making it easier to see what’s going on. The fluid might give you an uncomfortable feeling of needing to urinate.
With local anesthesia, your cystoscopy may take less than five minutes.
RISKS
It’s normal to have a burning sensation while urinating for two to three days after the procedure. You may need to urinate more frequently than usual.
Blood in the urine is also common after the procedure, especially if you had a biopsy. Drinking lots of water helps ease the burning and bleeding.
Some people develop more serious complications, including:
- Swollen urethra (urethritis): This is the most common complication. It makes urination difficult. If you can’t urinate for more than eight hours after the procedure, contact us.
- Infection: In rare cases, germs enter your urinary tract and cause infection. Fever, strange smelling urine, nausea, and lower back pain are all symptoms of infection. You might need antibiotics.
You should also call your doctor if you:
- develop a fever higher than 100.4ºF
- have bright red blood or clots of tissue in your urine
- are unable to void, even though you feel the need
- have persistent stomach pain
Recovering after a cystoscopy
Drink lots of fluids and stay close to the bathroom.
If you had a biopsy done, you’ll need to take the rest of the day off from work and strenuous activities. Avoid heavy lifting for the next two weeks.
RESULTS
You will be informed of any findings immediately afterwards, or it could take a few days if you had a biopsy done.