How is prostate ultrasonography performed?

Ultrasound( ultrasound) is one of the most popular diagnostic methods that are actively used by modern medicine. In urology this method is used to diagnose such pathologies as:

• benign prostatic hyperplasia( BPH);
• prostate cancer;
• miscarriage of unexplained etiology;
• calculous prostatitis;
• erectile dysfunction;
• bladder damage.

A similar non-invasive method of diagnosis is included in the number of mandatory activities for men to verify the volume and structure of the male organ.

The essence of the procedure

In order to know how the ultrasound of the prostate is done, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of the action of the technology. All equipment consists of a working console, which includes:

• computer monitor;
• high-precision equipment;
• directly the sensor itself.

The latter generates special high-frequency sound waves, normally inaudible to the human ear. They, passing through the soft tissues of the prostate and bladder, return to the source. Pulses are processed inside the device, and a three-dimensional picture of the prostate gland appears on the screen. This method is borrowed from the military, who use a similar mechanism in echo sonars. The difference is the power of sound waves.

Types of activity

The prostate gland is normally located directly near the rectum. This arrangement allows using two types of ultrasound diagnostics:

1. transabdominal;
2. transrectal( TRUS).

Depending on the pathological process, men can be recommended for this or that type of event. They are explained how to prepare and what will happen. It should be noted immediately that the classic examination through the abdominal wall is a more common and is used primarily to determine the size and volume of the prostate, the presence of pathological neoplasms in it and the assessment of the norm or pathology of the state of the bladder.

In most cases, it is advisable to conduct TRUS for accurate verification of a man's disease and for a more thorough interpretation of the results. Due to a special sensor and anatomical features of the organ, it is possible to ascertain the size of the prostate gland to the accuracy of a millimeter, determine the nature of the neoplasms( if any), assess the degree of damage to nearby structures, and examine each part of the prostate in more detail. Transrectal diagnostics can also specify in more detail the state of the bladder in patients if they are properly prepared beforehand.

How is ultrasound and TRUSI performed

Speaking about transabdominal examination it should be noted that it is absolutely safe, painless and highly accurate way of verifying the diseases of the urinary system of men. It is also very important to adequately prepare for this survey. The interpretation of the results occurs right next to the patient or in a separate room for functional diagnostics.

The whole process is performed in several gradual steps: the

1. patient lies on his back;
2. the doctor processes the sensor with a special gel and applies it to the bladder area;
3. with sliding movements, he visualizes each structure that interests him;
4. assessed the norm or pathology in the size of the organs;
5. draws up a special conclusion, which sometimes requires additional interpretation by the physician of functional diagnostics;
6. after the conclusion of the session in 10-20 minutes, a man can safely go home and prepare for the subsequent activities( if they are needed).The

TRUS is performed in much the same way, except for some nuances:

1. Before inserting the sensor into the anus, a latex condom is put on it. It is processed by gel to minimize unpleasant sensations.
2. The patient lies on his left side and flexes his knees.
3. After this the doctor carefully and gradually introduces the device into the rectum at a distance of 5-7 cm
4. The prostate is visualized with an assessment of its volume and structure. If some pathological neoplasms are observed in it, then their dimensions are recorded. In some cases it is necessary to perform an additional biopsy of suspicious areas. To do this, use a long needle. The sampling process itself is relatively painless.
5. The duration of the session varies from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the complexity.

Advantages and disadvantages of

TRAILS The main advantages of diagnostics through the rectum are the following:

• more accurate imaging of the parenchyma of the prostate;
• better definition of the size, volume and structure of tissues in it;
• possibility of additional study of seminal vesicles;

The main disadvantages of this procedure remain:

• The reluctance of some men to agree to a similar method of diagnosing an illness. They think it's humiliating.
• The presence of short-lived uncomfortable sensations when the sensor is inserted into the anus.
• Impossibility of carrying out of an action after an operative intervention on a rectum, at an acute hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
• It is necessary to prepare for diagnostic intervention more carefully.
• Decryption of results may take a little longer.

How to properly prepare?

Because transabdominal sonography is a non-invasive diagnostic method, many patients feel that it does not require any preparatory measures. This idea is wrong at the root. The responsibility for such negligence lies with the doctors themselves. After all, when referring to a survey, every doctor is obliged to warn a man what and how he should do.

Preparation for ultrasound of the prostate does not present any difficulties:

1. The procedure should be performed on an empty stomach. Therefore, 8-12 hours before the session should be excluded from eating.
2. Immediately before the event itself, you should drink 1 cup of plain water to spread the bladder and increase it in size. So it will be easier for the doctor to visualize all the structures.
3. When carrying out TRUS, it is mandatory to perform a cleansing enema 3 hours prior to the examination to empty the intestine.
4. If the patient knows that he will be given a biopsy of the prostate gland, then 7-14 days before that, he must exclude from his treatment funds that dilute the blood( Aspirin, Warfarin and others).
5. Often health workers are asked to take a towel with them. This applies mainly to public medical institutions.

Normal indicators

The essence of the whole technology is to assess the size, volume, structure of the prostate and the detection of pathological neoplasms. After fixing the corresponding image, it is sent for decoding to the doctor of functional diagnostics. He already determines the norm or pathology of the prostate and recommends further interventions.

According to the currently existing standards, the following limits of the norm in the size and volume of the male organ are distinguished:

• width - 2.5-4 cm;
• length - 2,5-3,5 cm;
• thickness - 1,0-2,0 cm.

Also additionally calculate the weight, which is usually 20-25 grams.

The volume is determined by a computer and normally should not exceed 26 cm3, the boundary value is 30 cm3.

After decoding all the main indicators, the man is given a conclusion, in which the finished diagnosis for the version of ultrasound is already written.