Prostate Gland Ultrasound

A prostate ultrasound can evaluate the size, shape, and texture of the prostate gland. It is commonly used to investigate symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, painful urination, or the presence of blood in the urine.

Dr Png Keng Siang
Dr Png Keng Siang
Senior Consultant Urologist & Robotic Surgeon

What Is a Prostate Gland Ultrasound?

A prostate gland ultrasound, also known as a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to visualise the prostate gland. This non-invasive test employs high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the prostate, allowing the doctor to assess its size, shape, and structure.

Indications for Prostate Gland Ultrasound

A prostate gland ultrasound is commonly used to:

Urinary Issues: Difficulty urinating, frequent urination, especially at night, or a weak urine stream.

Pelvic Pain: Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back.

Hematuria: Presence of blood in the urine, which may indicate underlying prostate issues.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate gland that can lead to urinary problems. TRUS helps in measuring the prostate’s size and assessing the extent of enlargement.

Prostate Asymmetry: Any irregularities in the shape or size of the prostate detected during a digital rectal exam (DRE).

Prostate Nodules: Detection of lumps or hard areas during a DRE that require further evaluation.

Cysts or Calcifications: Identifying fluid-filled sacs or calcium deposits within the prostate.

Preparing for a Prostate Ultrasound

Preparing for a prostate ultrasound is generally straightforward, and here are the key steps involved in preparation:

Consultation and Medical History

Patients will typically have a consultation with their doctor before the ultrasound. During this consultation, it’s important to discuss any symptoms, medical history, and any medications being taken, as some might need to be adjusted before the procedure.

Dietary Preparations

Patients may be advised to avoid eating heavy meals a few hours before the procedure to reduce the likelihood of discomfort during the ultrasound.

Bowel Preparation

A clear rectal area is essential for effective imaging. Patients are usually required to take a mild laxative the night before the procedure or may need to use an enema to clear the bowel.

Bladder Requirements

In some cases, patients might be asked to drink water and not urinate before the ultrasound to fill the bladder. A full bladder can help improve the visibility of the prostate gland during the ultrasound.

The Prostate Ultrasound Procedure

The prostate ultrasound procedure, particularly the transrectal approach, is a detailed process that requires precise techniques to ensure accurate imaging. Here is an overview of how the procedure is typically conducted:

Upon arrival at the clinic or hospital, the patient is usually given a gown and asked to remove clothing from the waist down. The patient is then positioned on an examination table, typically lying on their side with knees bent towards the chest.

A protective cover is placed over the ultrasound probe, and a lubricating gel is applied. This gel helps in smoothly inserting the probe into the rectum and provides better contact between the probe and the skin, facilitating clearer ultrasound signals.

The ultrasound probe is gently inserted into the rectum. The probe is relatively small and designed to be as comfortable as possible during insertion.

The radiologist or technician moves the probe within the rectum to obtain different views of the prostate.

The ultrasound machine creates images by emitting sound waves that bounce off the prostate and surrounding tissues, sending signals back to the computer to create visual representations.

The procedure typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the required detail and whether additional areas need to be examined.

The ultrasound images are reviewed by a radiologist, who will interpret the findings. This information is then sent to the referring physician, who will discuss the results with the patient and suggest further steps if abnormalities are found.

Dr Png Keng Siang

Dr Png Keng Siang

Senior Consultant Urologist & Robotic Surgeon

Dr Png is a United States fellowship-trained urologist who received his urology specialist board certification from Singapore. He is the first and only urologist in Singapore to be inducted into the Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS) after completing a minimally invasive surgery fellowship in the USA at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he sub-specialised in robotic and laparoscopic surgery for urological cancers.

  • Joint Committee of Specialist Training Site Accreditor, Urology Residency Program
  • President of the Robotic Surgery Society of Singapore
Prior To Private Practice:
  • Director of the Robotic Urological Surgery Fellowship Program, Tan Tock Seng Hospital
  • Director of the National Healthcare Group Urology Residency Program & Adjunct Assistant Professor, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
  • Member of the American Urological Association, Endourological Society (USA)
  • Executive Committee of the Singapore Urological Association, 2013 to 2020
Read Full Bio

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    Prostate Gland Ultrasound

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

    How often should one undergo a prostate ultrasound?

    The frequency of prostate ultrasounds depends on individual risk factors and existing health conditions. Typically, it’s recommended for men with symptoms suggestive of prostate issues or those monitoring known prostate conditions.

    Are there any age restrictions for undergoing a prostate ultrasound?

    There are no specific age restrictions; however, prostate ultrasounds are generally recommended for men over 40 or younger men with symptoms or a family history of prostate problems.

    Is any special care required after undergoing a prostate ultrasound?

    No special care is required after a prostate ultrasound, though some men may experience slight discomfort or light bleeding, which usually resolves quickly.

    How should I prepare for my prostate ultrasound appointment?

    Preparation for a prostate ultrasound includes having a consultation with your doctor to discuss your medical history and any current medications. You might be advised to avoid heavy meals a few hours before the procedure and take a mild laxative or use an enema to ensure your bowel is clear. In some cases, you may be asked to drink water and refrain from urinating before the ultrasound to ensure your bladder is full, which can improve the visibility of the prostate gland.