What Is A Transrectal Ultrasound?

Transrectal ultrasound

A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is an imaging exam for diagnosing prostate cancer. It uses sound to create two-dimensional images of internal organs.

The TRUS unit contains a probe with several sensors attached. The doctor inserts the probe into your rectum and presses down, which creates a space between the back end of the probe and the wall of your anus.

Then, the doctors attach sensor coils to the front of the probe that generate signals that allow them to see inside the body. They can then see through the pelvic area and into the upper part of the gut, where the prostate sits.

They can also use color doppler settings to check out blood flow in the region. These are used primarily for evaluating lower urinary tract symptoms, but they may help detect other conditions as well.

There’s no radiation involved with this procedure.

 

Who should have this done

In men who are at increased risk for prostate cancer, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is an important screening test. TRUS can help identify areas of the prostate that may need to be removed so they can be more thoroughly examined.

It does not replace traditional or digital rectal exams but rather helps make them better informed decisions.

By having a deeper understanding of the area being screened, patients will enjoy fewer follow up visits and tests. As with any medical procedure, there may be some transient symptoms such as mild pain during the exam or brief urination after the scan.

Patients are usually sedated during the examination. The actual procedure only takes about 10 minutes and involves me sitting in a chair while the doctor inserts a probe into your anus and then inside your penis. We watch a screen as we wait for the machine to create its images. Once completed, the results are reviewed by a radiologist who reads the scans and recommends next steps.

If lesions are identified, further testing is required to determine if it is low-grade or high-grade lesion. A biopsy is taken of those regions. Examination of the remaining parts of the prostate depends on findings from the initial biopsy.

In general, either five-year bpEFS rates or ten-year ppPST rates are used to evaluate whether a patient’s cancer is indolent or aggressive.

 

What will happen during the procedure

 

During this ultrasound, which is performed in an examination room, you’ll be given a general exam with a biplane device. This measures your distance between the pelvic floor muscles and transverse rectus abdominis by generating an image of these tissues using a probe (high-frequency transducer). These measurements allow us to determine whether adequate pressure has been applied for endorectal advancement when performing a prostate exam. Our goal is to achieve maximum urethral compression so that any urine present in the bladder can escape through the single opening we have available after prostate surgery.

Endoscopic implant procedures are done under direct vision from within the patient's body. The surgeon makes an incision inside the penis, enters the urinary tract via a smaller tube called a cystoscope, opens up the cavity of the pelvis under visible visualization, then removes any muci1e found. After proper testing, they placed a cuff into the prostata region behind the pubic bone.

A flexible telescope with a video camera was inserted into the culdesh and positioned. Once the operator confirms the position and orientation, anesthesia is administered. A sharp tool known as a laser needle is used to break open or dilate the tissue at the needed site. Through this controlled laceration, medical professionals put several devices, including a lens and miniature pump, directly into the targeted area in the culde.

 

What should you be aware of

When using a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), your urologist will insert a small, sterile probe through the penis into the rectum to take images of your testes and uterus (if you are also planning pregnancy).

There are two types of TRUS: computed tomography (CT) scans and sonograms. A CT scan is more detailed than a standard sonogram.

Both methods use sound waves to create pictures of the internal structures in your body. However, the higher-frequency sound waves used in a CT scan can break down tissue properties, whereas regular sonograms cannot.

In general, CT scans are taken when doctors want to see something hidden inside a person. For example, with some adults who suffer from constipation, nothing seems to move along the digestive track. A CT scan can reveal what’s going on deep within.

 

What will it feel like

When your urologist performs ultrasound imaging of the prostate, he or she will put transducers (probes) into either the anus or through his lower mouth.

These probes detect sound waves as they come in contact with each tissue type in order to provide an image of the inside of the body.

During this procedure, you will be awake but flexed during the scan. You may also be sedated (and therefore not feeling any pain). The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

The images produced by the probe are then displayed on a screen for interpretation by the doctor. These screens can display both static pictures and moving pictures so that the viewer can follow the movement of particles being viewed.

When the ultrasound is completed, the transducer will return to its original position so that no one else can see it below the surface level of the skin. Only then can additional sounds be made to create another picture. This is called a voiding cystourethrogram.

 

How does it work?

A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is used to image the inside of your penis, as well as test for prostate cancer

What makes this imaging method unique is that it can be done with just one small needle puncture into the flesh. This produces no pain or discomfort, although there may be some mild bleeding associated with the procedure.

There are two types of TRUS instruments; these use either sound waves or images to identify areas surrounding cancerous tumors. By having multiple detectors positioned in different places around the male organ, doctors are able to determine where a tumor has originated.

 

What will the results be

During your procedure, there is a chance that you may need to remove fetal tissue or products from inside of your body.

There are several reasons why an ultrasound might be performed transvaginally versus transabdominally. If you know in advance that you’ll be having surgery where they’re going to have to cut off part of your vagina, then you can plan accordingly.

Also, if it’s known prior that a vaginal exam is imminent, you could request that the probe for the ultrasound be inserted vaginally so that way you can compare sizes.

 

Avoid doing yourself

Although some doctors perform this test, you should only do it if your doctor recommends that you take an ultrasound exam. Medical professionals who conduct transvaginal ultrasounds use a specialized camera (endoscopic probe) to capture images of your uterus and surrounding structures.

They can then manipulate these internal structures into a better view by using another special tool with a lens. This allows them to visualize her vaginal wall and other pelvic organs more clearly.

However, there are no professional medical guidelines indicating how far patients should opt to go during bladder scans (trans-urethral ultrasounds). Many men ask why they have to keep putting themselves at risk for prostatitis by having their rectums exposed.

Some studies show that even moderate exposure decreases the sensitivity of the prostate. Other factors include back bleeding from bruising, lower abdominal pain or perineal discomfort when urinating, frequent urination, and urinary incontinence.