Transrectal Ultrasound Test - Is it something to be afraid of? Let's understand it simply

When your doctor tells you that you need to have a certain test, sometimes you feel a little scared and nervous when you hear the name of it, right? Especially if the name is a little complicated. "Transrectal ultrasound" is one such name. Many people, especially men, feel a little uncomfortable when they hear this name. So today we are going to answer all the questions and fears you have about this test in a simple way. It's as if a friend or family member is explaining it to you.

Simply put, what is transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)?

Okay, let's break this name down. You've probably heard of "ultrasound." It's used to scan a pregnant woman, as well as to look at the inside of our bodies. It involves sending high-energy sound waves (that we can't hear) into the body and then reflecting them back to create an image on a computer screen. It's like how bats use these sound waves to fly at night. It doesn't emit any radiation, so it's a very safe method.

Now let's look at the part called "transrectal." "Trans" means "through." "Rectal" means something related to the "rectum." So a transrectal ultrasound is an ultrasound examination done through the rectum .

In this, the doctor slowly inserts a special device (probe) about the size of your finger into the rectum. This device emits sound waves. The prostate gland in men is located very close to the rectum. Therefore, when examined in this way, a very clear, detailed image of the prostate gland can be obtained. This is sometimes called `(Endorectal ultrasound - ERUS)`.

Who usually needs this test?

There are several reasons why a doctor might order this test. Imagine this: You go to see a doctor because you're having trouble urinating. The doctor may examine you and refer you for this test if he or she thinks it's necessary to investigate further.

Let's explain this further in the table below.

How should you prepare before the test?

This isn't a major surgery, but it does require a little preparation to get the test done properly.

• Tell your doctor everything: You should tell your doctor about any allergies you have, heart disease, lung disease, and any medications you are currently taking.
• You may need to stop taking some medications: If you are taking anticoagulants or painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen, your doctor will tell you to stop taking them a few days before the test. Never stop taking any medication without first asking your doctor.
• Colon cleansing: A few hours before the test, you may be asked to use an enema to cleanse your rectum and lower colon. This will help the scan produce a clearer image.
• Emptying the bladder: The doctor will ask you to urinate and empty your bladder before the test.

What actually happens during the test?

Okay, now let's see what happens on the day of the test. Knowing this will help reduce your fear a lot.

1. Changing clothes: You will be given a hospital gown to wear.

2. Position: You will be asked to lie on the left side of a bed, with your knees bent towards your chest.

3. Insertion of the device: The doctor will then slowly insert the lubricated ultrasound probe into your anus. It is only the size of a finger. At this point, you may feel a sensation like you need to defecate. This is normal. It will not be very painful, but you may feel a little discomfort.

4. Scanning: After the device is properly positioned, the doctor slowly moves it around while carefully observing the images of the prostate gland that appear on the computer screen.

This entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes.

What if a biopsy is taken?

Sometimes, if the doctor sees something suspicious on the scan, he or she may need to take a very small piece of tissue from that area for testing. This is called a biopsy . This can be done at the same time as the TRUS scan.

• Numbness: Before the biopsy, a local anesthetic is injected into the area around your prostate to numb it, so you won't feel much pain.
• Tissue sampling: Next, a very fine needle is inserted parallel to the scanning device and several tissue samples are taken from suspicious areas. You may feel a slight pinch when the needle is inserted.

The tissue samples obtained in this way are sent to the laboratory to be examined under a microscope to confirm whether or not cancer cells are present.

What happens after the test?

When the test is over, you can go home the same day.

• Ask the doctor if you can drive or if you need someone to drive you.
• If a biopsy is done, you will be given antibiotics to prevent infection for a few days. You need to take them exactly as directed.
• They say you shouldn't take blood thinners like aspirin for a few days.
• Drink plenty of water. Drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day helps keep the urinary system clean.

It can take a few days or a week for the biopsy results to come back. When the results are in, the doctor will call you and set up a time to talk about it.

What are the benefits and risks of this test?

While any medical test has its benefits and risks, TRUS is a very safe test.

When should I see a doctor immediately after the test?

Although it is usually not a major problem, if you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• High fever and chills.
• Severe pain that cannot be controlled even with medication.
• Persistent inability to urinate.
• Blood clots in the urine.
• Persistent bleeding from the urethra or rectum.

These symptoms indicate that an infection or other complication may be present, so don't ignore them.

Transrectal Ultrasound, TRUS, prostate, prostate scan, prostate biopsy, PSA test, men's health