Preparation for ultrasound of the prostate. Preparing for rectal ultrasound of the prostate The sequence of the study

Content

Attention to men's health is required at any age, the success of life, work, relationships depends on it. Diseases of the prostate interfere with the implementation of many plans, so an ultrasound of the prostate is a mandatory procedure in the formation of discomfort in the functions of the genitourinary system. In what cases does it become necessary to conduct research, how they are carried out, what kind of preparation they require - every man should know about this.

What is a Prostate Ultrasound

Ultrasound diagnostics of the prostate gland is a highly accurate method for determining the pathological processes of this organ. In the study, ultrasound passes through tissues, reflecting differently from healthy and altered areas. The image is displayed on the monitor, the information is analyzed by a doctor who issues a conclusion. When using ultrasound, you can find:

  • prostate cancer;
  • erectile dysfunction;
  • prostatitis;
  • bladder damage;
  • benign prostatic hyperplasia;
  • urination disorders.

Ultrasound helps with great accuracy to determine the condition of the prostate, its size, shape, density, echogenicity. Pathological changes in the organ are revealed:

  • the presence of stones in the lumen, their composition;
  • changes in tissue structure;
  • features of blood supply;
  • the presence of neoplasms;
  • proliferation of glandular tissue;
  • fuzzy contours;
  • increase in size;
  • the presence of a cyst;
  • inflammatory processes;
  • adenoma with nodular formations.

Indications for holding

The prostate gland plays an important role in the processes of urination, erection, and hormone production. Although it is difficult to persuade a man to go to the hospital, it is necessary to do this when problems of the genitourinary system appear. At the age of about 50 years, this is required to be done regularly. Early treatment helps to quickly cope with problems, prevent complications. Doctors prescribe a study of the prostate using ultrasound for:

  • infertility;
  • urinary incontinence;
  • the appearance of blood in the semen;
  • change in the urethra;
  • violation of potency;
  • kidney failure.

The need to study the state of the prostate using ultrasound arises in the presence of:

  • pathologies of analyzes on the spermogram;
  • lack of erection;
  • frequent, painful urination;
  • pain in the pelvic area, in the penis, perineum;
  • deviations of analyzes of urine, blood;
  • detection of tumor markers;
  • purulent discharge with urine;
  • pathologies revealed during rectal examination;
  • frequent nighttime urge to go to the toilet.

Preparation for ultrasound of the prostate in men

Before the examination, patients should be prepared for an ultrasound of the prostate gland. The doctor will explain what needs to be done - it depends on the method of the procedure. There are special preparations for ultrasound. For a transrectal examination of the prostate, you should:

  • three days before the procedure, exclude from the diet products that cause gas formation;
  • Eat a light meal the night before.
  • before going to bed and in the morning do an enema;
  • come to be examined on an empty stomach.

In the case of a transabdominal ultrasound, other preparations are required to obtain the correct result of the prostate examination, to ensure high-quality imaging. A man must:

  • for two days to exclude the use of soda;
  • remove foods that cause bloating;
  • fill the bladder - drink 2 liters of water two hours before the procedure;
  • go for the procedure when you feel an unbearable urge to urinate.

How is it done

The choice of how to perform the study remains with the doctor. How is an ultrasound of the prostate gland done in men? Two methods are the most popular. Transabdominal - refers to the primary study, carried out outside, through the abdominal wall, shows an approximate picture of the situation. It reveals:

  • prostate size;
  • norm, pathology of the bladder;
  • the presence of neoplasms.

The transrectal method of examining the prostate is considered more informative. In this case, ultrasound will be done through the rectum by introducing a special sensor. The method is prescribed to clarify the diagnosis, a detailed study of the organ. This is possible due to the location of the sensor very close to the wall of the gland. With this method:

  • measurements of the prostate, neoplasms are carried out with high accuracy;
  • the extent of damage is assessed.

transrectal

Ultrasound for prostatitis, performed by the transrectal method, allows you to get accurate results of the study of pathologies. It is necessary to take into account - there are contraindications for the procedure - an acute form of hemorrhoids, sphincter fissures, recent operations on the rectum. Using this technique, you can conduct a biopsy, study in detail:

  • all parts of the prostate;
  • seminal vesicles;
  • blood flow;
  • tissue structure.

During the transrectal ultrasound method:

  • the patient lies on his side;
  • knees drawn up to the chest;
  • a condom is put on a special sensor;
  • it is lubricated with Vaseline;
  • the probe is inserted through the anus into the rectum by 6 centimeters;
  • the state of the prostate is being studied;
  • the picture is displayed on the monitor;
  • the doctor takes measurements, analyzes the situation;
  • issues a conclusion.

transabdominal

Not everyone can psychologically and physically endure a transrectal prostate examination, and the procedure has contraindications. In this situation, a transabdominal ultrasound is performed. Examination can not be done with damage to the skin of the abdomen, urinary incontinence. The procedure is performed like this:

  • the patient is in the supine position;
  • the doctor applies a special gel to the surface of the abdominal wall;
  • runs the sensor over the skin in the lower abdomen;
  • evaluates the state of the prostate on the monitor screen, takes measurements, fixes changes;
  • gives a conclusion.

Deciphering ultrasound of the prostate

To correctly evaluate the results of an ultrasound examination of the prostate, you need to have special knowledge. The doctor will interpret the ultrasound. What should be the indicators? Results that indicate the absence of pathologies:

  • the shape of the prostate is round or triangular;
  • thickness, width, length of the gland within the normal range;
  • the tissue structure is homogeneous;
  • density is normal;
  • changes in the vessels are not observed.

In the case of prostate diseases, ultrasound is deciphered as follows:

  • with adenoma - a strong change in size, the presence of inclusions up to 7 mm;
  • chronic prostatitis - increased echogenicity, inflammation - reduced;
  • with neoplasms, there is a lack of clarity of contours, an increase in lymph nodes;
  • cyst, stones, is defined as an area with hypoechogenicity.

Normal prostate size

The formation of this body ends by the age of 25. If men's health is in order, then the prostate does not change in size. When pathologies appear, its growth begins, a violation of the structure, and growth of neoplasms is possible. The normal size of the prostate gland with ultrasound is in millimeters:

  • prostate width - from 30 to 45;
  • thickness - 15-25;
  • length - 24-40;
  • volume - the product of all dimensions of the organ, multiplied by 1.06.

Procedure price

You can conduct an ultrasound examination of the prostate in hospitals, clinics, medical centers dealing with men's health, family planning. How much does a prostate ultrasound cost? The price depends on the prestige of the medical institution, the available equipment, and the qualifications of specialists. The cost of transrectal, transabdominal examination ranges from 550 to 4500 rubles.

Video: how an ultrasound of the prostate is done

Attention! The information provided in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give recommendations for treatment, based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Typically, the need for prostate ultrasound is determined based on the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood serum and/or the detection of suspicious lumps in the prostate during digital rectal examination.

There are three main types of ultrasound:

  • transrectal (anal);
  • transurethral (through the urethra);
  • transabdominal (through the skin of the anterior wall of the abdomen).

The main indications for ultrasound of the prostate and seminal vesicles are:

  • Detection of prostate cancer in patients with PSA levels above 7 ng / ml (in the absence of urinary tract infection or acute prostatitis).
  • Abnormal changes (eg, nodule) found on digital rectal examination of the prostate.
  • Symptoms such as difficulty urinating and pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis (in the absence of kidney problems).
  • Active surveillance of patients with a high risk (family history) of developing cancer.
  • Help in diagnosing the causes of infertility in men.

Thanks to ultrasound of the prostate, the following problems with the prostate gland can be detected in the early stages:

  • Prostate cyst.
  • Prostatitis.
  • BPH.
  • Prostate cancer.

The time it takes for the doctor to get the results and interpret the prostate ultrasound will vary depending on:

  • the urgency with which the results are needed by the urologist and the patient;
  • the need to compare the result with data from other tests (for example, perineal prostate biopsy);
  • the need for consultation with other specialists.

Often, the specialist views the ultrasound video images in real time, so after the examination is completed, the patient can immediately know the results.

Prostate ultrasound standards and interpretation of examination data

Average dimensions of a healthy prostate:

  • length - 3 cm;
  • thickness - 2 cm;
  • width - 3 cm.

The largest dimensions without pathology:

  • length - 4.5 cm;
  • thickness - 2.3 cm;
  • width - 4 cm.

Minimum dimensions without pathology:

  • length - 2.5 cm;
  • thickness - 1.5 cm;
  • width - 2.2 cm.

Exceeding these parameters may indicate prostate adenoma or the presence of a malignant tumor.

  1. The contours of the prostate should be smooth, clear and symmetrical. Fuzzy are with prostatitis, asymmetry may indicate a neoplasm.
  2. The structure of the prostate should be uniform. The nodes "talk" about the adenoma, areas with reduced echogenicity indicate the presence of cysts and stones in the prostate, chronic prostatitis, abscess and other diseases.
  3. The volume of residual urine should not exceed 15 ml. Exceeding this volume is a sign of disorders in the urinary tract, additional tests will be required for an accurate diagnosis.

TRUS of the prostate: preparation and method for transrectal ultrasound

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) of the prostate is a way to create a high-quality and informative image of the prostate using sound waves.

An ultrasound probe sends painless, ultra-high frequency sound waves into the body.

As the waves "collide" with the internal organs, they produce echo patterns, which the computer turns into images (sonogram) on the video screen.

It is worth noting

Currently, TRUS is the best way to detect prostate cancer. It is an inexpensive, widely available procedure that is relatively well tolerated by patients and performed by physicians. It can be done on an outpatient basis.

Preparation for TRUS of the prostate includes:

Talk to your doctor about stopping or reducing your blood-thinning medications the day before your TRUS. These drugs are usually prescribed to prevent a stroke or heart attack, so it's important not to stop taking them unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping aspirin use is usually not required.

A blood test may be required to check blood clotting on the day of the procedure.

People suffering from heart valve problems or who have an artificial heart valve should inform the doctor performing the TRUS.

How is a TRUS of the prostate performed?

If the doctor offers to make a choice between transabdominal ultrasound (through the skin of the abdomen) and TRUS, then it is better to choose the latter. Transabdominal examination, although it has advantages in cost, speed of execution and the absence of unpleasant sensations, shows only a superficial picture, and is suitable for identifying advanced and very well-defined pathological conditions of the prostate.

Ultrasound of the prostate in men: the main types and differences in their conduct

The main types of ultrasound of the prostate in men are transrectal, transabdominal and transurethral methods. When conducting transrectal examination A transducer is used that the doctor inserts into the patient's rectum.

Advantages: is available in clinics of both large and provincial cities of Russia, presents a clear and detailed picture of the structure of the prostate gland, the patient does not experience severe inconvenience during and after the procedure.

Training includes a cleansing enema half an hour before the examination and filling the bladder (drink half a liter of water an hour before the TRUS).

Transabdominal way does not allow you to get all the information about the state of the prostate, since the study is carried out through the anterior wall of the peritoneum. The price of this ultrasound is much less than the other two, and there is no discomfort.

Training very simple: do not urinate 2 hours before the procedure or drink half a liter of non-carbonated water an hour before the examination.

Transurethral ultrasound The prostate in men is performed by holding a cystoscope into the urethra. Before this, local anesthesia is used, the doctor uses a cystoscope to get a good picture of the prostate gland. However, this method is more invasive than the first two and imposes special requirements on equipment and conditions.

Training: stop drinking alcohol the day before the procedure, eat light snacks and do not smoke on the day of the study, nicotine can provoke nausea when using a local anesthetic. Fill the bladder one hour before the test.

Transrectal Prostate Ultrasound: Benefits, Risks and Limitations

Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate causes the same discomfort as a rectal examination performed by a urologist. The examination usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

This method differs from other methods of performing ultrasound by the need to place the probe in the patient's rectum.

The sensor during abdominal examination is located at a distance of up to 10 cm from the prostate of the subject, while during transrectal examination, the sensor is located close to the tissues of the prostate.

For abdominal ultrasound, a transducer with a frequency of 3.5-5 MHz is used, while ultrasound penetrates deeply, but the clarity of the image is “lame”. Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate uses a transducer with a frequency of 8-12 MHz, which provides high image clarity.

Benefits of transrectal prostate ultrasound:

  • Ultrasound examination is widely available.
  • No ionizing radiation.
  • Ultrasound can clearly visualize the structure of the prostate gland.

The patient should be aware of the possible risks:

  • Blood in the urine (hematuria) - up to 60% of cases. As a rule, passes independently.
  • Blood in semen - up to 40% of cases. It also goes away on its own.
  • Blood in the rectum.
  • General but severe bleeding (occurs in less than 1% of patients).
  • Serious infections (3% of cases).
  • Urinary tract infections with dysuria (impaired urination) - about 5% of cases.

Restrictions:

Men who have recently had bowel surgery are not good candidates for prostate ultrasound, as this type of ultrasound requires placement of a probe into the rectum.

How is a prostate ultrasound done? This is a common question. Let's look into it in more detail.

Human tissues and organs have long been an integral part of medical diagnostics. Urology also did not stand aside, in which, by means of ultrasound, specialists can make the correct diagnoses and carry out competent treatment of pathologies of the urogenital area. Against this background, ultrasound of the prostate stands out. Such a diagnostic method allows timely identification and treatment of numerous pathologies of the prostate and nearby organs.

There are transrectal (that is, rectal) and transabdominal (that is, through the anterior abdominal wall) examination of the prostate gland. As an additional method, ultrasound can also be performed through the perineum. The results obtained during the study are deciphered by the urologist.

Transabdominal examination

This diagnostic method is the most accessible and does not cause difficulties for either doctors or specialists. The study is carried out through the anterior wall of the peritoneum of a man. This method has no contraindications, but there are a number of limitations:

  • the fullness of the bladder is insufficient;
  • drainage tubes;
  • wounds after operations.

Pathological warning signals

Ultrasound of the prostate is performed both for a diagnostic purpose in relation to a disease that has manifested itself in the body, and for prevention, if a person is not bothered by obvious symptoms. Regarding the indications, we can say that such complaints of patients can act as them:

  • pain in the lower abdomen;
  • discomfort, cramps and pain during urination;
  • pathological formations of the scrotum and prostate seen by a urologist;
  • infertility;
  • changes in the general analysis of urine of an unclear nature, deviations in the results of the spermogram;
  • unclear dysuria;
  • potency defects.

Written reviews and videos of urologists posted on the Internet indicate that most often, thanks to ultrasound of the prostate in men, it is possible to clarify the presence of pathology, the neglect of the disease and its nature.

Some doctors claim that ultrasound is as good as complex procedures like MRI. Analysis and interpretation of ultrasound is carried out by a specialist in functional diagnostics on site. This way you don't have to worry about waiting for the results.

Training

Although the procedure is quite simple, it still requires preparation. Otherwise, an ultrasound of the prostate will not be done. How to prepare for this manipulation? A man should come to the doctor's office with a full bladder. When this organ is filled with liquid, it plays the role of a special lens through which ultrasound is transmitted, and allows a good view of the area of ​​interest. Before the procedure (about an hour) it is enough to drink a liter of water in order to feel a slight urge to urinate after. It is necessary to calculate the time correctly, otherwise the fullness will be weak, and the study will be carried out only with full filling. With a full bladder, the patient will be extremely uncomfortable when moving the device along the wall of the peritoneum. Preparing for an ultrasound of the prostate in men is very important.

The course of the procedure

Transabdominal ultrasound is performed with a special sensor. The man lies down on the couch. The specialist applies a special gel to the anterior wall of the peritoneum and the ultrasound scanner, which facilitates the sliding of the sensor over the skin and eliminates the air gap. The latter is able to distort the resulting image and affect the decoding in the future. How do ultrasound of the prostate in men is interesting to many.

Scanning is carried out in the transverse and longitudinal planes. If it is necessary to examine certain areas of the organ in more detail, the specialist can arbitrarily move the scanner. At the same time, an analysis of the bladder is performed, as well as an ultrasound examination through the perineum.

The procedure takes about ten minutes on average. To determine the residual urine, the man will be asked to go to the toilet and repeat the ultrasound. This technique allows you to determine how much urine remains in the bladder after it has been emptied. The norm of this indicator is 50 ml.

Usually, the results of the analysis are given to the patient immediately. In addition to information about the prostate, the specialist can also provide photographs of the prostate for a more accurate examination.

The procedure can only be performed by a specially trained doctor. Only qualified specialists can decipher its results. Some information will be provided by the sonologist during or after the procedure, and more complete information and decoding will be provided by the urologist. If there are any deviations in the results, the doctor will prescribe competent therapy.

Transrectal examination

TRUS differs from the previous variety in that the insertion of the sensor is carried out through the man's anus. This achieves maximum proximity to the object of study, and you can get the clearest image. Thus, the quality of diagnosis increases several times, which means that the accuracy of diagnosing diseases will also improve. The price for this type of ultrasound is higher than for transabdominal, but it is worth it, since the analysis of the state of the organ is much better, the decoding is more accurate. In this case, preparation is also needed.

Features of preparation

Some study centers indicate that no preparation is needed. However, due to the fact that the procedure is performed rectally, for the purpose of hygiene, an enema must be given before it, which will cleanse the body. It is not necessary to use any devices; pharmacies have an enema that contains a special drug. Thanks to him, the feces soften, intestinal peristalsis accelerates, and due to this, defecation becomes less traumatic and soft. Two days before the procedure, it is necessary to exclude from your diet such foods that stimulate intestinal gas formation. On the evening before, you need to take some kind of sorbent. A transrectal ultrasound is performed on an empty stomach. The doctor in some cases may ask the patient to take a liter of still water, and it should be drunk about an hour before the examination.

The main thing in preparing a man for an ultrasound is the psychological attitude. Since the manipulation is performed rectally, the study can be hampered by nervous tension and discomfort. Naturally, it is normal to be a little nervous, since the examination is performed rectally, and for many patients this is the most unpleasant moment. However, there is no need to dramatize, because we are talking only about a medical procedure. That is why you need to take a sedative before the process.

Features of TRUS

For ultrasound of the prostate, you will need a condom that fits over the scanner. Such manipulation is completely painless, if the mood is right, then there will be no discomfort. The entire procedure takes approximately twenty minutes.

It is carried out as follows:

  • after preparation at home, the patient goes to the office and, after the invitation of an assistant or doctor, releases the lower part of the body from clothing;
  • the patient is laid on the right side on the couch, bending the legs at the hip joints and knees;
  • the doctor puts a condom on the sensor, applies the gel and inserts rectally 5-7 centimeters deep; it will not hurt, because the sensor is small;
  • the specialist conducts an examination and gives the patient a conclusion.

What is the norm of ultrasound of the prostate?

Decryption features

The state of the prostate gland is evaluated by a specialist competent in this matter. If there are pathologies, then the decoding is as follows:

  • in the presence of benign hyperplasia, the volumes of the gland change, there are extraneous formations;
  • in chronic prostatitis, echogenicity increases;
  • inflammatory processes reduce echogenicity;
  • due to neoplasms, clear contour boundaries are blurred, the size of the lymph nodes increases;
  • the existing stones and cavities are determined during the study as separate areas with reduced tissue ability to absorb ultrasound waves.

The prostate gland is finally formed by the age of 25. In the absence of pathological abnormalities, the body of the prostate does not change in size. If there are diseases, then transformations of structural units, volumes are determined, various neoplasms appear.

The normal size of the prostate with ultrasound is as follows:

  • 2.3-4 cm - width;
  • 1.5-2.5 cm - thickness;
  • the volume is determined by the product of the indicators of the body, which are multiplied by 1.06.

Other information are deviations and require a detailed analysis of the problem, additional diagnostics, as well as the appointment of competent treatment.

Violation of urination, deterioration of potency develops in diseases of the prostate. To clarify the diagnosis, the selection of treatment, it is desirable for a man to undergo an in-depth examination. The most informative is an ultrasound examination of the prostate gland. How to prepare for a prostate ultrasound? It all depends on the type of study and the suspected pathology.

What is the procedure

The principle of the study is based on the fact that the ultrasonic waves emitted by the sensor are reflected from the tissues of the human body and fixed. Passing through special processing, they transfer the image to the computer. The specialist sees the full picture, can determine not only the external condition, but also the size, even the weight of the organ.

In diseases of the prostate, the following types of diagnostics are carried out:

  1. transabdominal- in other words, through the stomach. The probe examines the prostate through the anterior wall of the peritoneum. The method is low informative, the waves pass through the bladder, muscles, the image may be distorted;
  2. Trasurethral- through the urethra. It is painful, despite the microscopic dimensions of the sensor. It is used most often during surgical interventions.
  3. Transrectal (TrUS)- through the rectum. A fairly informative method, the study allows you to get the maximum amount of data.

If the patency of the rectum is impaired, there are contraindications to TRUS, the sensor can be installed in the perineum. When examining the area under the scrotum, a specialist can determine whether the size of the prostate is normal, get information about its functionality.

Indications for ultrasound and TRUS of the prostate

Most often, when directing a patient to a prostate ultrasound, the doctor focuses on the symptoms and complaints of the patient. The procedure is indicated for the following symptoms:

There are also a number of diseases in which ultrasound examination of the prostate is indicated. During the examination, the compliance with the norm of the size of the prostate gland and its tissues is checked. TRUS is performed when:

  • Chronic and acute prostatitis.
  • prostate adenoma.
  • The development of benign and malignant tumors in the prostate.
  • Prostate cyst.

The urologist may prescribe an ultrasound for preventive purposes. This is recommended for all men over the age of 45 to prevent the development of cancerous tumors in the early stages.

Features of preparation for ultrasound of the prostate

Depending on what type of examination the patient will have, the urologist warns the patient in advance about how to prepare for him.

Sample recommendations for preparing for a transabdominal examination:

  • Two days before the procedure, exclude from the diet products that increase gas formation: bread, milk, fresh fruits, vegetables.
  • If the ultrasound is performed in the morning, it is not recommended to eat before the procedure.
  • When an examination is expected in the afternoon, the patient is advised to eat breakfast in the morning, but skip lunch.
  • From one liter of liquid or more, the patient needs to drink 40-60 minutes before the start of the manipulation. Tea without sugar or pure water (not carbonated) is suitable.

Preparation for TRUS:

There may be differences in preparation. It all depends on what disease, pathology, was the reason for the ultrasound. The patient can obtain more detailed information from his doctor.

How is the procedure

Manipulations for examination of the prostate are absolutely painless. Anesthesia is not applied, drugs are not introduced into the patient's body. The procedure is performed in a clinic.

Transabdominal examination

Preference for this type of study is given in cases where minor pathological changes in the body of a man are expected. Structural changes in the tissues of the prostate with abdominal ultrasound are not traced.

Since the anterior abdominal wall of the abdomen is being examined, the patient is located on the couch on his back, exposing the abdomen to the groin area. The doctor scans the prostate area with a sensor in the longitudinal and transverse regions. At the same time, the condition of the bladder is assessed.

Ultrasound of the prostate through the peritoneum makes it possible to make a preliminary diagnosis based on the volume of the prostate gland, its size, and location features between other organs of the small pelvis. This method of examination is not suitable for obese people, since the fat fold on the abdomen weakly conducts ultrasound signals. Which makes scanning difficult.

Transrectal examination

In order to most accurately determine the size of the prostate, compliance with the norm of its structure, it is better to undergo a TRUS. Why is the method more informative? During examination, the transducer is separated from the prostate only by the small rectum. The urologist gets the opportunity not only to assess the volume and appearance of the prostate, but also to conduct an in-depth examination of the tissues, to fully study the blood supply to the organ, and immediately see pathological changes or cystic formations.

During the procedure, the man removes the lower part of his clothes. For examination, the patient is located on the couch on his side with his back to the doctor. The legs are bent at the knees, the knees are pulled up to the chin, you can hold them with your hand. This position eliminates the appearance of discomfort when the transrectal sensor is inserted into the rectum.

A special condom is put on the sensor, which is treated with a medical gel that improves gliding and provides the greatest sound transmission through the tissues. Do not be afraid, the sensor itself is no more than an adult's finger in thickness. The Uziscanner is inserted approximately 6-6.5 cm into the rectum. The maximum insertion is 7 cm, it is necessary when examining the bladder. The duration of the ultrasound is from 5 to 15 minutes.

The procedure may cause some minor discomfort. A man does not feel pain, psychological discomfort is more important. Despite this, TRUS is the best way to examine patients with already diagnosed diseases of the prostate gland, allowing you to clarify the diagnosis, as well as monitor the growth dynamics of tumors or cystic formations.

A contraindication to transrectal ultrasound is acute hemorrhoids, tumors in the anus, bleeding ulcers in the rectum. If the patient is allergic to latex, other protective sheaths for the transducer are used instead of condoms.

Deciphering the results

During the examination, the doctor compares the information received on the computer with the accepted norm. This takes into account the age of the patient, his weight, chronic diseases. The following indicators are normal:

Deciphering the results of ultrasound is done directly during the procedure. If necessary, the doctor takes pictures. They can be used later to prescribe treatment, compare volumes.

With the help of TRUS, it is diagnosed and specified:

  1. BPH. The specialist notes a diffuse increase in prostate tissue and nodular, uneven. The asymmetry of the organ is noted, the presence of nodules from 7 mm in width.
  2. Prostatitis. Acute is characterized by an increase in the prostate and a deterioration in the conduction of sound, chronic - a decrease in the acoustic effect.
  3. Abscess. It looks like a round or oval focus with a tap of low ultrasound conductivity.
  4. Cancer tumor. There are nodular formations with uneven contours or diffuse proliferation of tissues with a violation of the homogeneity of the structure of the organ and the appearance of asymmetry.
  5. cystic formation. It looks like a uniform oval or round cavity with clear contours.

Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate and bladder allows you to determine in the early stages whether a man is developing cancer. Thanks to early diagnosis, a complete cure is achieved. Worried about your personal psychological comfort, do not refuse the examination, perhaps it is ultrasound that will help you find the cause of poor health and restore potency.

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The main advantage of prostate ultrasound, which is performed rectally, is a high informative result. During the procedure, the sensor is very close to the prostate gland - the distance between them is about 4-5 mm. Thanks to the cutting-edge equipment, and the closest approach to the organ, it is possible to take clear pictures, see the prostate and recognize pathological changes in it. With the help of ultrasound, which is performed rectally, it is possible to make an accurate diagnosis. The main thing is to properly prepare for the procedure.

A rectal ultrasound of the prostate gland is performed with:

  • erectile dysfunction;
  • the presence of blood in the seminal fluid;
  • suspected inflammation of the prostate;
  • pain in the pubic region, perineum, lower abdomen;
  • suspected infertility;
  • frequent urge and pain during urination, change in urine pressure;
  • nighttime urination;
  • suspected adenoma;
  • an increase in PSA (prostate specific antigen - a tumor marker).

Also, manipulation is prescribed as a way to determine cysts and microabscesses, focal sclerosis; to all men after 35 years, as a preventive study. Crossing this very line, many men are diagnosed with prostatitis and multiple pathologies of the prostate.

Men over the age of 50 should prepare to undergo a rectal examination at least 2 times a year to rule out the development of prostate cancer. This diagnosis, unfortunately, put most of the male population every year. In the early stages, cancer is treatable, so you should take the diagnosis seriously, prepare and get tested.

Study Benefits:

  1. During the manipulation, the types of violations of the integrity of the prostate tissue, if any, are clearly visible. What can mean that a man develops a malignant tumor. So, there is an opportunity to get rid of it at an early stage.
  2. This diagnostic helps to assess the symmetry of the prostate, its internal structure and geometric contours. These results make it possible to detect adenoma at an early stage.
  3. With the help of rectal ultrasound, you can easily determine areas of calcification (stones in the tissues of the prostate), clearly see and assess the condition of the ejaculatory ducts (through them the seminal fluid moves to the posterior urethra). This indicator is important in determining infertility, as it allows you to identify the presence of clogged channels or cysts of the ejaculatory duct.
  4. The introduction of a rectal probe allows you to see the structure of the seminal vesicles. With their expansion, the development of an inflammatory process is possible, and in some cases even blockage of the ducts.

You should be prepared for the fact that there are limitations to the procedure.

The method of examination is contraindicated in the presence of:

  • acute stage of hemorrhoids;
  • proctitis and paraproctitis;
  • rectal fissures;
  • removed rectum.

Rectal ultrasound of the prostate gland is carried out in the direction of a doctor. Where and in which medical center to undergo an examination depends only on the wishes of the man. The choice of a medical diagnostic center is up to him.

Rectal ultrasound is an absolutely safe technique, it does not bring any radiation or harm to the health of the body. This is not to say that it does not cause discomfort. There are some inconveniences, but there are no pain sensations.

Many men are shocked by the expression "through the rectum", but you should prepare mentally and treat this procedure as if it were a regular injection or catheter. After all, these procedures also do not cause a feeling of pleasure. You just need to wait a bit, but then have full information about the "second heart of a man." After all, we are talking not only about health, but also about the most important factor for men - potency. For this you can endure.

Important! Absolutely all pathologies of the prostate gland reduce male libido and can lead to impotence. This should not be forgotten.

Preparation for transrectal ultrasound:

  • 10 hours before the analysis, you can not eat;
  • before the study for 4 days, exclude foods that contribute to gas formation;
  • before the ultrasound, an hour before, a cleansing enema is performed (this condition is mandatory - the enema will help remove feces);
  • 30 minutes before the examination, you must drink 1 liter of water;
  • an hour you can drink unsweetened tea.

In the event that material for cytological examination is not needed, then transrectal ultrasound will not take more than 25 minutes. But you should also prepare for a longer examination, which can take 40 minutes.

In addition to the study, the doctor will be able to assess the condition of the tissues and organs adjacent to the gland (determine the presence of stones, neoplasms in the bladder area, varicose veins in the prostate).

The results of rectal ultrasound examination will be further evaluated taking into account the clinical picture. Therefore, before the procedure, the specialist who will conduct the examination will find out the main complaints and study the history of the disease.

To carry out the manipulation, the man will have to remove his trousers and underwear. At the same time, he should lie on the couch to one side, tucking his knees. The sensor is inserted into the rectum. If necessary, the specialist will determine the amount of residual urine. To do this, the man will need to empty his bladder.

During an ultrasound examination of the prostate, first of all, a specialist examines the base of the organ, assesses the condition of the seminal vesicles. In the future, an assessment of other areas of the prostate gland is carried out, its volume is measured. The image will show the male organ in different planes.

There are different types of pathology diagnostics, but this method allows you to see the male organ from different angles and detect even the smallest modifications that are caused by pathologies.

  • an enlarged prostate may indicate an adenoma, prostatitis, or neoplasms;
  • with an increased volume, we can talk about possible inflammatory processes, a benign or malignant tumor;
  • elevated prostate density indicators indicate chronic prostatitis, calcifications (stones in the urethra, in the tissues of the organ), lower indicators indicate the presence of acute inflammation;
  • if the tissue structure is heterogeneous, this may indicate that inflammation develops, a cyst, abscess, nodes, tumors, calcifications are present;
  • indicators of symmetry and clarity of contours - when deciphering, the presence of a volume increase is taken into account, which indicates oncological diseases, pathologies that provoke a change in the shape of the prostate gland;
  • Dopplerography allows you to see the state of blood vessels, the speed of blood circulation and evaluate its normal functioning.

Transrectal ultrasound allows you to give the most accurate results in the diagnosis.

The results will be given to the patient immediately after the procedure. It is important not to violate the rules of preparation in order to get the most informative indicators.

Diagnosis of prostate diseases by ultrasound is informative, accurate and accessible, and preparation for it is simple. Since prostate diseases are detected in every second man, it is recommended to undergo an examination not only in the presence of symptoms of the disease, but also as a preventive measure for early detection of pathology.

The urologist instructs on how to prepare for an ultrasound of the prostate, and directs for examination in the following cases:

  1. If during the examination a seal or a change in the shape of the prostate was detected.
  2. The patient complained of urination disorders.
  3. There are a number of symptoms of kidney failure: swelling of the extremities, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, discoloration of the skin, dry skin.
  4. In urine and blood tests, the level of antigen, which is produced by malignant cells of the prostate gland, is elevated.
  5. There are manifestations of male erectile dysfunction, disorders in the reproductive system.

As a result of the examination, diseases can be diagnosed:

  1. Prostatitis, occurring in chronic or acute form.
  2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia.
  3. Malignant tumors.

Ultrasound of the prostate in men is performed transrectal or transabdominal. Both methods are aimed at identifying diffuse changes in the prostate, but differ in the degree of accuracy.

With rectal ultrasound of the prostate, the sensor is inserted into the rectum and is in close proximity to the organ. Such a survey will be the most informative and reliable. With planned diagnostics, preparation for an ultrasound of the prostate gland is required. For this you need:

  1. 3-4 days before the scheduled examination, eliminate flatulent foods from the diet: cabbage, legumes, some fruits, flour products. The consumption of drinks containing gas and alcohol should be avoided. Include light soups, chicken, fish in your daily diet.
  2. Refuse to eat the evening meal on the eve of the examination day. After 19.00 switch to drinking mode.
  3. Take activated charcoal tablets to prevent gas formation at the rate of 1 tablet for every 10 kg of weight.
  4. Carry out a complete bowel cleansing before the ultrasound. You can make an enema yourself 2-3 hours before the procedure by introducing 1.5-2 liters of water at room temperature into the rectum. If defecation is difficult to achieve cleansing will help: enema Normacol, microclyster Microlax, suppositories with glycerin.
  5. Fill the bladder before the first urge to urinate by drinking about 1 liter of pure non-carbonated water an hour before the examination.
  6. If a prostate biopsy is planned at the same time as a transrectal examination, the preparation for the examination should include the administration of antibiotics recommended by the doctor. Their impact will reduce the risk of inflammation at the site of needle manipulation.

The examination is carried out in the ultrasound room. Before the start of the procedure, a condom is put on the sensor and lubricant is applied. It is most convenient to manipulate the sensor when the patient takes the fetal position, lying on his left side. The introduction of the sensor into the rectum will not cause discomfort, since it has an anatomical shape, and its diameter does not exceed 8-10 mm.

Before preparing for an ultrasound of the prostate, you need to make sure that there are no contraindications to the use of this diagnostic method. These include: bowel surgery performed less than three months ago; hemorrhoids in the acute stage; cracks; intestinal obstruction.

In addition to physical preparation for prostate ultrasound, men need to relieve psychological stress. Tightness during the diagnosis prevents the doctor from carrying out the necessary manipulations and obtaining reliable data. Therefore, you should learn in advance how to properly prepare for an ultrasound scan and what to expect from the examination, and take sedatives in case of excessive excitement.

If it is necessary to conduct an emergency examination through the rectum, preparation for an ultrasound of the prostate is not necessary.

Transabdominal examination requires preparation for prostate ultrasound. The condition for successful diagnosis with abdominal ultrasound in men is the fullness of the bladder.

The patient lies on the couch, and the doctor scans the prostate with ultrasound equipment. In parallel, the condition of the bladder is assessed. The doctor may interrupt the procedure and ask the patient to urinate in order to assess the condition of the walls of the organ in a compressed form.

This method is not informative enough and allows for the possibility of diagnostic errors, since there are other organs and a fatty layer between the abdominal wall and the prostate gland. This method is indispensable if it is not possible to conduct a rectal ultrasound.

The reliability and completeness of the results of the examination directly depends on the solution of the question of how to prepare for an ultrasound of the prostate gland. Compliance with the rules of preparation for ultrasound diagnostics will allow you to examine the prostate efficiently and painlessly, identify pathology and make an accurate diagnosis.

Proper preparation for ultrasound of the prostate

A standard apparatus for ultrasound diagnostics consists of a sensor that sends sound signals and receives them in reflected form, a computer for processing information and a monitor for displaying it in the form of an image.

The principle of ultrasound

  • find the cause of infertility.

The need for a biopsy does not affect how the ultrasound of the prostate goes. The area of ​​the rectum near the prostate is insensitive to pain, so the manipulation will only take longer.

  • stones in the prostate;
  • foci of calcification and fibrosis;
  • prostate enlargement.

Prostate diseases occupy the second place among the male population of the planet, after diseases of the cardiovascular system. These diseases have a very negative impact on the quality of life, so their timely diagnosis and treatment occupy one of the leading places in urology.

One of the main methods for diagnosing diseases of the prostate gland is TRUS. What is it and how is TRUS of the prostate done, now we will try to describe to you. Conventional ultrasound is a research method in which, using ultrasound waves, it is possible to obtain an image of the internal parenchymal organs in real time. The procedure is quite simple. The patient lies on his back, a special gel is applied to the area to be examined, after which an ultrasonic sensor is applied, which the doctor moves from side to side in order to examine the organ and find pathology in it, if any.

TRUS is the same examination using ultrasound, but the ultrasound transducer is inserted into the patient's rectum. This is because the prostate gland is located directly behind the rectum, and if an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum, all that separates the probe from the prostate is the intestinal wall. The wall of the rectum is a much thinner barrier than, for example, the skin, so you can get a complete and accurate image of the prostate.

There are a number of indications for a TRUS of the prostate:

  1. Pain in the perineum.
  2. Routine study for men over the age of 40.
  3. If you suspect an adenoma of the prostate.
  4. If potency is impaired.
  5. Nocturia, that is, frequent urge to urinate at night. May be accompanied by discomfort.
  6. Infertility. In a situation where a couple cannot conceive a child for a long time, there are no problems on the part of the woman.
  7. If the doctor suspected a pathology during a rectal examination.
  8. If deviations were noticed in the spermogram and urinalysis.
  9. Weak urination, that is, during urination, the stream is weak or thin.
  10. During prostate biopsy, to provide visualization.

A direct contraindication for this study is the remote rectum.

There are also a number of relative contraindications, which include:

  1. Urinary incontinence.
  2. Hemorrhoids in the acute stage.
  3. Fissures in the rectum, especially deep ones.
  4. If not so long ago there was a surgical operation on the rectum.

Since there are no organs between the prostate and the rectum, preparation for a TRUS of the prostate does not require any specific steps, but some preparation is still necessary.

2-3 hours before the study, you need to clean the intestines. This can be done both with the help of a conventional cleansing enema, and with the help of modern drugs. If everything is more or less clear with an enema, then many have not heard anything about modern drugs. You can use the so-called "microclysters". They are a small tube, the contents of which must be injected into the rectum. It is best to do this while lying on your right side with your knees tucked in. After some time after the introduction, you need to go to the toilet.

You can also use a glycerin suppository. It is inserted into the rectum through the anus in the supine or side position. After a while, you need to go to the toilet and empty your intestines.

Many experts believe that it is better to conduct a study with a full bladder. If you need TRUS due to infertility or reduced potency, then it is enough to drink a liter of water or other liquid one hour before the examination and not urinate.

In a situation where you need to find the cause of poor urination, you need to come to the examination 30-40 minutes before it starts and have one and a half liters of liquid in a container with you. Water or tea is best. You start drinking water and as soon as you feel the urge to urinate, inform the doctor who will perform the ultrasound. He will immediately invite you to the office, where you will undergo TRUS. Preparation, as you can see, will not take you much time. This is not a colonoscopy or abdominal CT scan.

The man is laid on his side and asked to pull his knees to his chest. After that, a special condom is put on an ultrasonic sensor with a diameter of about 2 cm and inserted rectally (in some clinics, a special gel is used instead of a condom), that is, into the rectum, to a depth of about 5-7 cm. In a situation where you need to examine not only prostate, but also seminal vesicles, the sensor is inserted to a greater depth.

If there is a need to evaluate the emptying of the bladder, then after the study has been carried out, the man is asked to go to empty the bladder and then the sensor is inserted again. The presence of pathology during urination or pathology of the bladder is made on the basis of the amount of urine that remains in the bladder after emptying.

The study time is 15-30 minutes.

If TRUS is performed during a biopsy, then anesthesia is performed before the procedure.

During the procedure, the patient does not experience any pain. However, there is some discomfort, especially in individuals who have set themselves up in advance that the procedure will be painful. In addition, many patients believe that the procedure humiliates their manhood. Do not try to set yourself up for negativity, by doing this you will only make things worse for yourself.

The study is carried out by medical professionals with a specialization in the field of ultrasound, in some cases in the field of urological diagnostics using ultrasound.

During TRUS, the doctor describes the prostate gland: symmetry, shape, contours, structure, echo density, size. In addition, the doctor describes all the structures that he saw during the study: the periurethral glands and the spermatic tubercle with the spermatic cord, as well as the fact that the rectum, ejaculatory ducts, etc. were seen.

Absolutely all structures are described, both normal and pathological. The presence of any anomalies in the conclusion is mentioned separately.

If, after describing all aspects, there is a conclusion that no echo signs of pathology have been detected, then you can sleep peacefully.

On the basis of polyclinics, the study is carried out free of charge. You just need to take a referral from a urologist. To make TRUS of the prostate in a private clinic or diagnostic center will cost you from 1,000 to 5,000 thousand rubles. The cost of the study is affected by the respectability of the clinic, its location, and the qualifications of the specialist.

For example, if you decide to have a TRUS of the prostate in a respectable clinic located in the city center, while the examination will be carried out by a doctor of the highest category with an academic degree, then you will have to pay about 5,000 thousand rubles. But an examination in a clinic located in a remote place, remote from the center, in which less qualified specialists work, will cost about 1000-2000 thousand rubles. However, it should be remembered that price is not always a sign of quality. Therefore, before going to the clinic, you need to collect at least a little information about it and about the specialists who work there.

Summing up, we can say that TRUS is the most informative method for examining the prostate gland.

If we talk about other benefits of TRUS, then these are:

  1. The ability to perform repeatedly without harming health.
  2. No radiation as in x-rays or CT scans.
  3. Relative cheapness in comparison with CT, MRI and PET.
  4. The ability to obtain the exact dimensions of both the prostate gland as a whole and its individual sections.
  5. Possibility of a detailed assessment of the soft tissues of the gland.

With ultrasound of the prostate gland, it is performed using abdominal access, the ultrasound beam needs to overcome the abdominal wall, fatty tissue, and the bladder. With TRUS, only the wall of the rectum needs to be overcome. That is why we can say that, compared with ultrasound, TRUS is much more informative.

For the timely diagnosis of prostate adenoma, prostatitis, cancerous lesions and other diseases of the male gland, a variety of examination methods are actively used today. The properties of ultrasound deserve special attention, thanks to which, during a non-invasive procedure, it is possible to assess the state of tissues in a given area. How prostate ultrasound is performed depends on the type of approach chosen and its goals. Sometimes ultrasonography acts as an auxiliary manipulation in the course of therapeutic interventions on the organ. Reviews about the approach are mostly positive both from specialists and patients.

Before you go for an ultrasound scan for prostatitis in men, you need to find out what it is and what kind of preparation is required for the study. The principle of operation of a complex device is very simple. Its sensor produces sound waves that are not perceived by human hearing. They penetrate into the thickness of the tissues and are reflected from them, which allows you to display a schematic image of the insides on a special screen.

Ultrasound of the bladder and prostate in men reveals the following problems:

  • The development of prostate adenoma and other benign formations in the body of the organ.
  • The formation of a cancerous tumor, its spread to nearby tissues.
  • The combination of examining the bladder and prostate gland makes it possible to determine the causes of problems with urination.
  • Ultrasound for prostatitis allows you to identify the calculous nature of the disease.
  • Manipulation is carried out with suspicion of mechanical damage to the organ or bladder.
  • Often, ultrasound of the prostate gland is resorted to in case of erectile dysfunction for no apparent reason.

Increased attention should be paid to how to prepare for prostate ultrasound, otherwise the results will be incorrect or uninformative. For the most part, this stage is carried out at home, so the entire responsibility for the quality of the result lies with the patient himself. The opinion that waves during ultrasound examination are able to pass through any obstacles is fundamentally erroneous.

Existing types of ultrasound of the prostate are divided depending on which path the sensor is fed to the organ. Most often, specialists perform a classic abdominal diagnosis or TRUS of the prostate gland. There is also an approach in which the device is brought to the patient's perineum. Most rarely, the procedure takes place by inserting an instrument through the urethra.

It is usually performed in cases where the patient simultaneously requires an ultrasound of the prostate and bladder. This is a safe and painless approach that men like best because of its non-invasiveness. The result of the research is deciphered by the doctor immediately, during the procedure.

How is an ultrasound of the prostate done with this approach:

  1. After appropriate preparation for the ultrasound of the bladder and gland has been carried out, the patient is placed on his back and exposes the abdomen above the pubic bone.
  2. The doctor applies a special conductive gel to the sensor of the device, applies the instrument to the surface of the abdomen and begins the examination.
  3. The specialist moves the sensor, creating a slight pressure on it. In the course of its actions, the picture is displayed on a special monitor. According to the results of the examination, the diagnostician draws up a conclusion.
  4. Deciphering the ultrasound of the prostate in men, the photo to which is attached is provided to the attending physician. The analysis itself takes only a few minutes and immediately after it you can return to your usual life.

It still does not give clear information about the state of the organs. Even in the case of a normal weight of a man, the rays have to pass about 10 cm of tissue to the desired area.

Most often, doctors prefer to perform transrectal ultrasound of the prostate, because this approach reduces the distance between the sensor and the examined organ to a few millimeters. Before starting the procedure, the doctor should conduct a rectal digital examination to exclude contraindications to manipulation. Next, the man takes the fetal position or lies on his back and the examination begins.

The algorithm of how an ultrasound of the prostate is done with a transrectal technique:

  1. A condom is put on the instrument with a sensitive head and a water-based lubricant is applied to it. Can other products be used? It is possible, but they affect the integrity of the latex and can cause irritation of the mucosa.
  2. For ultrasound of the prostate, the transducer is inserted rectally. The penetration depth is about 5-7 cm, depending on the anatomy.
  3. The procedure for studying the state of the gland takes no more than half an hour. The technique has an additional plus - during the manipulation, you can not only make an accurate ultrasound of the prostate gland, but also collect material for biopsy under its control.
  4. If necessary, the specialist examines the condition of the seminal vesicles and tissues surrounding the prostate.

Transrectal ultrasound is not performed if the patient has anal fissures or inflamed hemorrhoids. Many are interested in whether it hurts with this type of examination, whether discomfort is noted. . The discomfort is more psychological than physical. If a man purposefully prepares for such an ultrasound of the prostate and the preparation was carried out in accordance with all the rules, all negativity will be minimized.

Experts reassure - there should be no pain, if it appears, this indicates problems with the anus, rectum or the prostate itself

Profile preparation for ultrasound of the prostate may vary slightly depending on the type of manipulation. All points should be agreed in advance with the doctor. If there are any incomprehensible points in the appointments, it is better to immediately clarify what the specialist meant.

Basic preparation for ultrasound of the prostate and bladder looks like this:

  1. Regardless of the type of manipulation, the examination is carried out on an empty stomach. The last time you can eat 10-12 hours before the approach.
  2. In order for the prostate examination in men to give maximum results, the bladder should be full. To do this, about half an hour before the procedure, you need to drink a couple of glasses of water. If you really want to go to the toilet, you should skip this item.
  3. Preparation for transrectal ultrasound involves additional bowel cleansing. An enema before ultrasound of the prostate is placed approximately 3 hours before the session.
  4. If during the examination it is planned to take material for a biopsy, preparation for TRUS of the prostate also requires refusing to take anticoagulants for 1-2 weeks.

The ultrasound procedure is simple, informative, and the preparation for it is minimal. Even in free medical institutions, it is now carried out at a high level. If you look at how much an ultrasound of the gland costs in paid clinics, you can find prices in the range of 1000-3000 rubles. Particular attention should be paid to where to do an ultrasound of the prostate if it is carried out in order to take biological material for examination.

The transcript obtained after the examination of the prostate gland for the majority of the inhabitants does not carry any informative value. An experienced specialist can easily see in the pictures all the data necessary for making a diagnosis. In particular, prostatitis on ultrasound looks like a noticeable increase in the organ, the appearance of areas of inflammation in it. Sometimes the situation is also accompanied by the presence of stones, which are clearly visible in the photos taken.

Prostate adenoma is distinguishable due to seals in the tissue structure, changes in the size and contours of the organ. Sometimes it is already possible to suspect a cancerous lesion of the formation from the pictures. In this case, the tumor will not be limited to the prostate capsule. True, this symptom is characteristic of the later stages of pathology.

After 40 years, ultrasound of the prostate, as well as a digital examination of the organ, is recommended for preventive purposes at least once a year for every man. This is useful even in cases where the functionality of the genitourinary system is at a high level and there are no negative symptoms. Diagnostics will not cause any harm to the body, and at the same time it will help to make sure that education, which is so important for a man, is healthy.

  • Urology
  • Diagnostics
  • Prostate

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According to statistics, more than half of men suffer from prostate diseases at different ages. It's not customary to talk about it out loud or complain about them, but it's true. And it is very important to understand that timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment can protect against a mass of very unpleasant consequences.

Therefore, today, doctors are taking the issue of examining the prostate gland very seriously. There are many methods, but the most simple, painless, objective and accurate is ultrasound. It is it that is considered the "gold standard" that allows you to collect all the necessary information.

At the moment, two types of ultrasound of the prostate are used, the preparation for them is somewhat different, as well as the course of the examination itself:

  1. Transabdominal ultrasound of the prostate. The most painless and simple method, when the study is carried out through the anterior abdominal wall. But due to the large distance to the prostate gland, its accuracy remains unsatisfactory.
  2. Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate. During this study, a special rectal probe is inserted through the anus into the rectum. This method allows the doctor to get all the necessary information, but is often negatively perceived by men.

Thus, transrectal and transabdominal ultrasound are most commonly used.

If you have been scheduled for a transabdominal ultrasound of the prostate, the preparation for it will be quite simple, including the following steps:

  1. 1-2 days before the ultrasound, it is necessary to refuse products that can potentially increase gas formation in the intestines or cause disturbances in its work. This list is quite individual, but most often it includes fresh fruits and berries, black bread, pastries, cakes, pastries, alcoholic and carbonated drinks, juices.
  2. On the day before the ultrasound, you must refuse breakfast if it is done in the morning, or do it lightly if it is scheduled for the afternoon.
  3. 1-2 hours before the ultrasound, you should drink 1-1.5 liters of non-carbonated liquid. It is best if it is clean drinking water, but it can be replaced with weak unsweetened tea or non-acidic juice diluted with water.
  4. After this, you can not urinate, because the ultrasound requires a fully filled bladder. If the urge is too strong, you can pass some of the urine, but do not empty the bladder completely. Then drink another glass of water.

No more preparation is required. The main thing is to correctly calculate the amount of water drunk and the time before the start of the study. Its accuracy largely depends on the degree of filling of the bladder.

Information

To prevent such a disease as prostatitis, it is necessary to consult a doctor at the root, when the prostate becomes inflamed.

Preparation for transrectal ultrasound

If you have been assigned a transrectal ultrasound, the preparation for it will be completely different. In this case, there is no need to fill the bladder, but since the access will be through the rectum, it must be cleared of stool, which may interfere with the ultrasound. Various methods can be used for this:

  1. Taking bowel cleansing drugs, for example, Fortran. It completely cleanses the intestines without harming the flora necessary for normal digestion. You need to take it on the day before the examination according to the attached scheme. For complete cleansing, you need to drink 3 or 4 packets, dissolving each in a liter of water. If the examination is scheduled for the morning, then all packages should be drunk with water on one day, but if it is planned for the afternoon, then the second and third are left in the morning. Fortran provides high-quality cleansing, but requires a long preliminary preparation and consumption of a large amount of liquid.
  2. Cleansing enema. A simpler option is to put in the morning, 2-3 hours before the scheduled examination, a small, 200-300 milliliters, enema of warm water. In some clinics, it is included in the cost of the examination and can be performed immediately before the examination.
  3. In cases where it is planned to do a prostate biopsy at the same time as a transrectal ultrasound, it may be necessary to pre-treat with antibiotics, which will reduce the likelihood of inflammation at the puncture site.

Large no preparation for transrectal ultrasound is required.

Everything written above applies only to the planned ultrasound of the prostate, the preparation in this case only facilitates the examination. If it needs to be done urgently, then no preliminary procedures are carried out.

It should be noted that the above recommendations describe only general cases, each individual may require special preparation. Therefore, when a doctor prescribes an ultrasound of the prostate, do not be shy to ask questions, finding out all the details. After all, the accuracy of the examination, and hence the determination of the correct diagnosis, may depend on them.

Ultrasound of the prostate is a fast, safe (without the use of X-ray radiation) and informative method for diagnosing a wide range of diseases.

A standard apparatus for ultrasound diagnostics consists of a sensor that sends sound signals and receives them in reflected form, a computer for processing information and a monitor for displaying it in the form of an image.

A sensor placed on the prostate tissue sends out sound waves that create an echo when it hits the organ. The echo signals are converted by a computer program into an image that is displayed on a monitor. The signals of prostate tumors are different from those sent by normal tissues of the organ, because they have a greater density.

Modern ultrasound technologies using the Doppler effect make it possible to determine the blood flow in the vessels of the prostate, to assess the condition of the seminal vesicles. At the same time, preparation for ultrasound of the prostate is minimal, and often does not differ from the requirements for ultrasound examination of the bladder.

The doctor can choose 1 of 4 methods of ultrasound examination of the prostate gland, depending on the symptoms and health of the patient:

  • transabdominal ultrasound of the prostate (through the abdominal wall);
  • pointing the sensor through the perineum - between the scrotum and the rectal opening;
  • TRUS or transrectal examination with access through the rectum;
  • transurethral access through the urethra.

The choice of how an ultrasound of the prostate is done is determined in each case by the data that the doctor needs to obtain. About the size, shape and symmetry of the prostate can be found using an external scan. A more detailed examination is carried out by other methods.

The prostate gland is located in the center of the small pelvis and the rear part is in contact with the rectum, therefore the transrectal method has been chosen as the “gold standard” for ultrasound examination. By inserting the probe into the rectal opening, you can achieve the maximum approach of the probe to the prostate gland.

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) takes 5-15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. A small probe lubricated with petroleum jelly is carefully inserted into the rectum. Insertion of the transducer may cause temporary discomfort, but TRUS is a painless procedure.

Transrectal ultrasound reveals any abnormalities in the prostate, allowing you to:

  • study prostate tissue by lobes;
  • differentiate prostate zones and determine their condition;
  • evaluate the function of the venous plexus;
  • detect abnormal growth of prostate tissue;
  • find the cause of infertility.

When the following symptoms appear, ultrasound of the prostate is performed transrectally:

  • during a digital examination of the prostate, the doctor felt the seal;
  • a blood test showed an elevated level of prostate specific antigen;
  • The patient complains of problems with urination.

Transrectal ultrasound examination has advantages over other diagnostic methods:

  • Ultrasound is prescribed to detect tumors that cannot be detected with a digital rectal examination;
  • transrectal ultrasound is used to assess the size of the prostate gland;
  • Ultrasound provides a more complete picture of the density of the prostate to distinguish benign hyperplasia from cancer;
  • TRUS is an additional procedure during a biopsy of the prostate, which allows you to correctly position the needle.

The need for a biopsy does not affect how the ultrasound of the prostate goes. The area of ​​the rectum near the prostate is insensitive to pain, so the manipulation will only take longer.

An external ultrasound examination implies that the bladder becomes the “acoustic window” for obtaining an image of the prostate. The abdominal method is called "indicative", since it does not provide a clear picture of the state of the tissues. However, it is sufficient to detect anomalies:

  • stones in the prostate;
  • foci of calcification and fibrosis;
  • prostate enlargement.

Based on these indications, diagnoses of chronic prostatitis and prostate sclerosis are made. Since it is possible to do abdominal ultrasound of the prostate and the bladder at the same time, the doctor identifies the cause of urination disorders.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic method, but is aimed at visualizing the internal organs. The doctor warns about how to prepare for an ultrasound of the prostate, depending on the use of a particular method.

The patient is instructed to take an enema 1-2 hours before prostate TRUS so that the feces do not interfere with the movement of the rectal probe. It is enough to introduce 200 ml of liquid to empty the rectum. During the scan, the patient lies on the left side with bent knees - this position facilitates the introduction of the probe. Visualization of the prostate begins against the background of the bladder. By turning the sensor, the diagnostician gets a complete picture of the organ.

Abdominal ultrasound of the prostate is performed against the background of a filled bladder. It is enough to drink 1-1.5 liters of water 1-1.5 hours before the procedure. For the procedure, the patient lies on his back. The doctor moves the transducer across the gel-covered lower abdomen, receiving reflected sound data from the prostate in various planes. Overcrowded and underfilled bladder distort the diagnostic picture.

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