Prostate Biopsy
How To Prepare
Tell your doctor if you:
- Have had any bleeding problems.
- Are allergic to latex or any medicines, including anesthetics.
- Take any medicines regularly. Be sure your doctor knows the names and doses of all your medicines.
- Are taking any blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), aspirin, ibuprofen, or other Reference nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Opens New Window.
You will need to sign a consent form that says you
understand the risks of a prostate biopsy and agree to have the biopsy done.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the
biopsy, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help
you understand the importance of the biopsy, fill out the
medical test information form 
(What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).
If a prostate biopsy is done under Reference local anesthesia Opens New Window through the area between the anus and scrotum (perineum), no other special preparation is needed.
If the biopsy is done through the rectum, you may need to have an Reference enema Opens New Window before the biopsy.
If the biopsy is done under Reference general anesthesia Opens New Window, your doctor will tell you how soon before surgery to stop eating and drinking. Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking, or your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor has instructed you to take your medicines on the day of the surgery, please do so using only a sip of water.
During preparation for the biopsy, an Reference intravenous line (IV) Opens New Window is inserted in your arm, and a Reference sedative Opens New Window medicine is given about an hour before the biopsy.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
