TRUS-Guided Prostate Biopsy Aftercare Information

What to expect after your prostate biopsy

There should be no major issues following the procedure.

However:

• It is normal to see some blood in your urine (wee) and from your rectum (back passage) for up to two weeks following this procedure.
• It is normal to see blood in your semen for up to 2 months.
• It is normal to feel some discomfort following the procedure. Standard painkillers e.g. Paracetamol can be taken to help.

If you are taking any anticoagulants (medication which thins your blood), it is okay to restart this 24 hours after bleeding has stopped completely.

Potential complications/when to seek help

Rarely, patients experience some serious complications after the procedure.

These include:

• Heavy/persistent bleeding from the rectum: the flow of blood is heavy; it won’t stop, or you are passing a lot of blood clots.
• Heavy/persistent bleeding from your penis/in your urine: the flow of blood is heavy; it won’t stop, or you are passing a lot of blood clots.
• Urine infection: Symptoms of a urine infection may include:
  • pain or a burning feeling when you urinate
  • dark or cloudy urine with a strong smell
  • needing to urinate more urgently than usual

• Acute urinary retention: This is where you suddenly and painfully cannot pass urine following your biopsy.
• Sepsis. This is very rare following prostate biopsy (less than 1 in 100 patients). Sepsis is a rare but serious complication of an infection. Without quick treatment, sepsis can be fatal. It is caused by the way your body reacts to infection. There are lots of possible symptoms, which can be similar to other conditions, including flu or chest infection. Specific symptoms to watch out for include:
  • acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
  • blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
  • a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
  • difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast.

If you experience any of these complications, please contact the Surgical Day Unit (SDU) at any time. Please explain that you have had a prostate biopsy and the complication(s) you are experiencing. They will be able to offer you some medical advice. Alternatively, if you are very concerned, please call 999 or attend A&E.

Contact number for SDU: telephone:01642624566

When will I get my results?

The samples from your prostate gland will be analysed urgently. The results will be ready for your follow-up appointment with your Consultant. This normally takes around 2 to 3 weeks.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]