Understanding the prostate: anatomy and key functions
Understanding the stages of prostate cancer and treatment options The prostate gland is an essential part of the male reproductive system, yet many men remain
A transperineal prostate biopsy is a procedure used to obtain tissue samples from the prostate gland to diagnose prostate cancer. Unlike the transrectal approach, the transperineal method involves inserting a needle through the skin of the perineum (the area between the anus and scrotum) to reach the prostate. This technique reduces the risk of infection and provides a more comprehensive assessment.
Preparation:
Transperineal Prostate Biopsy is performed under local anaesthesia. Before the surgery, you will be given specific instructions to prepare, including fasting and pre-operative assessments.
Surgical Process:
During the procedure, you will be positioned on your back. Using ultrasound guidance, the urologist inserts a needle through the perineum to take multiple tissue samples from different areas of the prostate. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Conditions Diagnosed:
Post-Operative Care:
After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or soreness in the perineal area, which usually resolves within a few days. You may also notice a small amount of blood in your urine, stool, or semen, which is normal and should clear up on its own.
Understanding the stages of prostate cancer and treatment options The prostate gland is an essential part of the male reproductive system, yet many men remain
Ageing and the Prostate: What to expect in your 40s, 50s, and beyond The prostate, a small but crucial gland in the male reproductive system,
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, and understanding the available treatment options is an important first step for anyone facing a diagnosis, whether it’s for yourself or loved one. The treatment approach for prostate cancer varies significantly depending on its stage and progression, making it essential to understand the difference between localised and advanced forms of the disease.
When it comes to prostate health, two common conditions often cause confusion: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. While both affect the prostate gland, they are distinct in nature and treatment approaches.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in New Zealand. 1 in 8 New Zealand men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime and the risk is doubled if they have a first-degree relative with prostate cancer. The prostate gland is a small, walnut-shaped gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra (the tube through which urine flows from the bladder out of the body). The primary function of the prostate gland is to produce seminal fluid, a component of semen that nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. As men age, the prostate can become enlarged or develop cancer, making it essential to monitor and maintain prostate health.
Many prostate cancers are diagnosed early with PSA testing. Active surveillance aims to delay and prevent treatment related side effects on those men who have prostate cancers which are unlikely to need treatment find those men whose cancers are likely to grow and cause issues ensure that those men requiring treatment are still at a curable stage. Active surveillance involves monitoring prostate cancer rather than treating immediately.