Currently, ultrasound of the prostate gland in men is done in two ways: transabdominally- through the anterior abdominal wall; and transrectally- in this case, the sensor is inserted through the rectum.
Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate is the most effective method for diagnosing prostatitis in modern medicine.
Simultaneously with the prostate, the seminal vesicles, which produce the bulk of the seminal fluid and are located behind the prostate gland, are usually examined.
Also, this method is used for diseases of the rectum.
Answering the question of how prostate ultrasound is done in men, it is worth noting those diseases that are detected using this procedure.
Such diseases include:
- spicy, ;
- purulent foci in the prostate gland;
- malignant neoplasms.
Since the transrectal method is still recognized as more informative, consider how an ultrasound of the prostate is done in this case:
A transducer that emits special sound waves is inserted into the rectum. These waves are reflected from tissues in the human body, returned through the sensor and converted into a three-dimensional image on a special monitor, thus it is possible to determine with great accuracy the nature and volume of the formation, and to assess its relationship with neighboring structures layer by layer.
The procedure is absolutely harmless and painless, slight discomfort can be felt from the very insertion of the sensor. A similar study is done on an empty stomach, immediately before the procedure, a cleansing micro enema is placed.
Normal ultrasound anatomy of the prostate has a triangular shape with a significantly smaller anteroposterior dimension compared to the transverse one.
The base of the gland is tightly welded to the bladder neck. The narrow part or tip faces the urogenital diaphragm. The posterior surface of the gland is slightly concave and forms an interlobar groove.
Normally, the transverse size of the gland is 40 - 45 mm, anteroposterior - 20 - 27 mm, and longitudinal - 35 - 40 mm. On the basis of transrectal ultrasound of the prostate gland, the doctor draws up a picture of abnormalities and makes a diagnosis.
Transabdominal ultrasound of the prostate is performed to determine the volume of residual urine in the bladder. A similar method is necessary for the primary determination of the structure, contours, size and condition of the organs of the male genital area. As a rule, it is also prescribed for suspected prostate adenoma.
A prerequisite for ultrasound of the prostate in men through the abdominal cavity is a full bladder. Therefore, no later than an hour, the patient should drink 1.5 liters of still water.
Both methods of ultrasound of the prostate also allow you to monitor the effectiveness of the course of treatment. Ultrasound examination is completely safe, therefore it can be performed as often as necessary.
The prostate gland is a "weak point" in the body of every man, especially after 40 years. Her condition can be negatively affected by hypothermia, tumor processes, infections, and even how active a man's sex life is. To establish the condition of the prostate, the doctor probes it, prescribes a biopsy. And the most reliable, fast and effective procedure for diagnosing ailments is an ultrasound of the prostate gland. How to prepare for it, how this study is carried out, what types of ultrasound exist in this case - read about all this in the article.
Indications for research
Ultrasound of the prostate gland is prescribed by a doctor in the event that there are any symptoms of prostate pathology. These include: pain in the perineum or sacrum, difficulty emptying the bladder, impaired potency, a feeling of full bladder immediately after using the toilet, problems with conception, etc. These signs indicate a particular violation in the work of this organ, therefore, an ultrasound of the prostate gland is prescribed without fail.
Where and why to do the procedure?
If you have certain problems, and you consider it necessary to be examined, then you do not need to run to the first clinic you come across to undergo the procedure. See your urologist first. He will carefully listen to all your complaints, conduct a proper examination, make assumptions about the causes of the ailment and refer you to an ultrasound of the prostate gland, if really necessary. Then, when you already have the results of the study in your hands, you can go to the same doctor who is in control of the situation so that he will prescribe the necessary medications for you.
In principle, every man, if he wishes, can independently sign up for an ultrasound of the prostate gland. How this procedure is carried out, he will be told in the place where it will be carried out. We will consider this issue a little below. Here it remains to say that there are not so many people who want to do an ultrasound scan for prevention. Yes, this is not necessary, if you are 20-30 years old, you are healthy and full of energy. But after forty, it is advisable to undergo an ultrasound of the prostate gland annually. Preparation will not take much time, but then you will be calm about your health.
Preparing for the procedure
This process depends on how the ultrasound is performed. The procedure is carried out either transabdominally (by examining the anterior abdominal wall with a sensor), or transrectally (directly through the rectum).
Preparing for a transabdominal examination
What you need to know if you are prescribed an ultrasound of the prostate gland? Transabdominal examination is quick, easy, and does not require any special preparation. The main thing is to show up for the procedure with a full bladder. The prostate is located in the place where the bladder passes into the urethra, so without such preparation it is quite difficult to see it. But when there is a space between the gland and the sensor, which is filled with liquid, the procedure becomes effective, since the organ is well visualized.
It is necessary to fill the bladder in moderation in order to feel only a slight urge to empty it. An hour before the ultrasound, you should drink about a liter of liquid. The timing must be correct. After all, if the bubble is not filled enough, then you will have to wait, postpone the examination process indefinitely. And if it is overcrowded, then the patient will feel discomfort when moving the sensor, because it is accompanied by, albeit slight, but pressure.
Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate gland - what you need to know when preparing?
Before this type of research, it is necessary to start adhering to a diet in two to three days in order to exclude increased gas formation, the appearance of diarrhea, and constipation. And in the evening (on the eve of the procedure) and on the day of the examination, you will need to do cleansing enemas. Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate is performed on an empty stomach. Only if it is scheduled for the evening can a light breakfast be allowed.
How transabdominal ultrasound is done
So, you are assigned to an ultrasound of the prostate gland. The preparation has been completed, we proceed to describe the process. It is not performed as often as the transrectal method, but it is still prescribed for diagnosis. It happens that in this way the prostate is examined "at the same time" with the abdominal organs. The patient sits on the couch, exposing the abdomen. Then a special conductive gel is applied to the skin to remove the air layer between the skin and the sensor. The doctor moves the sensor over the corresponding part of the body and sees the corresponding images on the screen. He carefully examines everything, measures, determines violations, and simultaneously examines the bladder. A procedure such as an ultrasound of the prostate gland takes about 10 minutes. The norms or deviations are recorded in the conclusion of a specialist, which is given to the patient.
How transrectal ultrasound is done
This is the method that the representatives of the stronger sex are most ashamed of, afraid of and avoiding in every possible way. But in vain. This method is considered the most reliable and effective, it is not at all as scary as it seems at first. But this ultrasound of the prostate gland is very informative. How this manipulation is carried out, we will consider right now.
The patient exposes the lower body, sits on the couch with his back to the doctor. In this case, the patient should bend his legs and pull his knees to the stomach. Then a special sensor is inserted into the patient's rectum, which is advanced to the location of the prostate. In this way she is being investigated. For hygienic purposes, a condom is put on the sensor in advance, and to facilitate the procedure, it is lubricated with a special gel.
Of course, transrectal ultrasound can hardly be called pleasant, but it cannot be considered painful either. The sensor is about 1.5 cm in diameter, so it will not stretch or injure the rectum in any way, which many people fear. And they immerse it no more than 5-7 cm. You just need to relax and tune in to the procedure properly, then it will not cause much discomfort.
What is considered the norm?
In the process of the study, a lot of indicators are recorded that speak of a healthy organ or certain deviations. As part of the norm, the prostate should have smooth and symmetrical contours, a uniform structure. Ideally, the antero-posterior size should be 1.5-2.5 cm, the transverse - within the normal range - 2.7-4.2 cm, and the longitudinal one is 2.4-4.0 cm. The volume, which is calculated according to a special formula, normally should not exceed 25 cubic cm. Deviation from these indicators indicates the presence of pathology, which should only be treated by a qualified specialist.
What ailments can be detected by ultrasound?
This procedure allows you to find out about many of the existing diseases. Among them:
Conclusion
In this article, we have described such a procedure as an ultrasound of the prostate gland. The price for the examination is not too high, for example, for a procedure performed transabdominally, you will pay about 800 rubles, transrectally - 1200-1500 rubles. In this matter, the main thing is not the price, but health. You pay for longevity, for the timely detection of pathologies, the treatment of which will allow you to avoid negative consequences and enjoy a full life. Be healthy!
In recent years, the incidence of pelvic cancer has been growing rapidly. This is due not only to the fact that oncological pathologies are more common than before. First of all, the reason for the increase in morbidity is the improvement of diagnostic methods. Now almost every person over 50 years old periodically takes tests to determine cancer markers. In addition, if such diseases are suspected, high-quality instrumental diagnostics are performed. One of the methods is transrectal ultrasound. It is performed for both men and women with suspicion of oncological and inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs. Compared to the method, it is considered more reliable, since the sensor is closer to pathological processes. Therefore, it is possible to examine the organs better.
What is transrectal ultrasound?
This method is based on the action of ultrasound. As you know, this imaging method belongs to non-invasive procedures. Ultrasound waves are able to reflect on the tissues of the human body, as well as pass through them. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) does not differ in its mechanism of action from other types of research. The only difference is that the probe is inserted into the rectum, rather than placed on the surface of the abdomen.
Due to the fact that all tissues have different echo densities, the doctor is able to visualize the organs on the screen. In the presence of inflammatory changes or any seals (formations), the ultrasound picture changes. That is, the density of an organ or its area is different from the norm. Both hypo- and hyperechogenicity indicate the presence of a pathological process, that is, a change in the structure of the tissue.
TRUS is performed to visualize the prostate, rectum, Douglas space, and bladder. All these organs are displayed on the monitor and during other types of ultrasound examination (abdominal, in women - transvaginal). However, when the transducer is placed in the rectum, visualization is better due to the reduced distance between the instrument and the tissues.
Indications for transrectal ultrasound of the prostate
Transrectal ultrasound is a reliable method for diagnosing prostate diseases. It is the preferred research method, especially if an oncological process is suspected. However, the appointment of TRUS does not mean that there is cancer. Therefore, you should not panic in advance and do it. It is worth knowing that with abdominal access, ultrasonic waves pass through many tissues (skin, adipose tissue, muscles). Only then do they get to the prostate gland. Therefore, the diagnosis of pathologies is difficult, especially if the patient is overweight. Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate allows several times to reduce the distance from the transducer to the examined organ. After all, it borders on the rectum. The indications for TRUS are the following conditions:
- Benign lesions of the prostate. This pathology is quite common in older men. According to statistics, prostate adenoma occurs in almost every second representative of the stronger sex after 50 years.
- Prostate cancer. If cancer is suspected, TRUS is the main diagnostic method. This is due to the fact that a puncture of the organ is performed for research. Thus, the doctor evaluates the ultrasound picture and performs a targeted biopsy. That is, it takes material (tissues) from pathological foci.
- Preparation for surgery on the prostate.
- Male infertility. Often, the inability to fertilize develops against the background of a chronic inflammatory process - prostatitis.
Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate gland is performed if the patient complains of pain in the pubic and groin region, radiating into the anus. Also, this study is performed in violation of urination and ejaculation, impotence.
Indications for transrectal ultrasound in women
Transrectal ultrasound is performed less frequently in women than in men. Most often, this diagnostic method is carried out with suspicion of oncological pathology. In addition, TRUS is performed if there is a likelihood of inflammatory processes in the Douglas space, abscesses, etc. As you know, the structure of the pelvis in women and men is somewhat different. Given that the examination of the uterus and appendages is carried out more often, transvaginal ultrasound is recommended in most cases. However, in some cases, visualization of organs through the rectum provides more information about the disease.
The indication for transrectal ultrasound in women is the study of the Douglas space. It is a pocket of the peritoneum located between the rectum and the uterus. Thus, TRUS allows us to assess the state of pararectal tissue and the posterior fornix of the reproductive organs. It is carried out under the following conditions:
- Suspected abscess of Douglas space. Often this inflammatory process is a consequence of complications of appendicitis and peritonitis.
- Oncological pathologies of the uterus, rectum.
- Suspicion of metastases in pararectal tissue. Occurs with tumors of the stomach.
- Inflammatory processes in the rectum.
- Benign neoplasms on the back of the uterus.
In both women and men, TRUS is used to assess the condition of the genitourinary organs. Nevertheless, in most cases, they are examined using a transabdominal approach.
Diagnosis of bladder diseases by TRUS
In addition to the organs listed above, the bladder is also located in the pelvic cavity. It is located in front of the rectum. In women, access to it is blocked by the uterus. Therefore, transrectal ultrasound of the bladder is more often performed in men. It is carried out with suspicion of tumor, benign formations and inflammatory infiltrates. In women, TRUS of the bladder is performed if there is an adhesions in the pelvis or severe obesity. Also, a similar method is used so as not to damage the hymen by inserting the sensor into the vagina.
Contraindications to transrectal ultrasound examination
In some cases, transrectal ultrasound is not recommended. An absolute contraindication to this diagnostic method is anus atresia. This is a congenital malformation in which the anus is absent. A similar developmental anomaly is diagnosed in the first days of life. Other contraindications are relative. This means that in case of urgent need, research is carried out. Nevertheless, it is better to replace it with other diagnostic methods. Relative contraindications include:
- Fresh cracks in the rectum. With this disease, any manipulations carried out transrectally are prohibited. Nevertheless, after the treatment of the crack (relief of the acute condition), TRUS is possible.
- The presence of inflamed hemorrhoids outside and inside the rectum. In this case, transrectal insertion of an ultrasound probe is not indicated due to the risk of vascular injury.
- Surgical manipulations on the rectum, carried out shortly before the appointment of the study. These include any surgical interventions: opening and drainage of adipose tissue, fistulous passages, etc.
Transrectal ultrasound: preparation for the study
As with any transrectal examination, TRUS requires preparation. To achieve normal visualization of the pelvic organs, the rectum must first be cleaned. To this end, a laxative or an enema should be taken a few hours before the procedure. If rectal diseases are the indication for the study, it is necessary to exclude spicy foods, carbonated and alcoholic beverages from the diet. Before performing TRUS of the prostate, a preliminary diet is not necessary. If the object of examination is the bladder, it must be filled. For this purpose, the patient should drink 1-2 liters of water before the diagnostic procedure.
Research technique
The transrectal is performed in various positions. To see the prostate gland well, the patient is asked to lie on his left side. At the same time, his legs should be bent at the knee joints and pressed against the stomach. Transrectal ultrasound of the pelvis in women is most often performed on a proctological chair (or gynecological). In the same way, a study of the bladder is carried out. In some cases, the patient is offered to take the knee-elbow position. More often - with suspicion of rectal pathology.
Before inserting the ultrasonic probe into the anal canal, it is lubricated with petroleum jelly or a special lubricant. After that, the device is inserted into the intestinal lumen to a depth of 6 cm. The anal canal, sphincters, and organ walls are examined. Next, the prostate and seminal vesicles are examined. In women, after examining the rectum, the posterior fornix of the uterus and the Douglas space are visualized, then the bladder. All results are recorded on the monitor screen. After that, the device is carefully removed from the rectum.
Benefits of transrectal ultrasound
The advantages of TRUS include:
- No radiation exposure.
- Painlessness.
- Informativeness.
- Improving visualization of the pelvic organs. The high information content of ultrasound performed through the rectum is achieved due to the proximity of the prostate and the absence of a thick layer of fatty tissue, which is present in the abdominal wall.
Transrectal ultrasound results
Thanks to the TRUS method, it is possible to diagnose neoplasms of the pelvic organs, as well as metastases in the pararectal tissue. In addition, using this research method, the size, thickness and location of the prostate and bladder are assessed. Inflammatory processes and formations are displayed on the monitor as hypo- or hyperechoic areas of tissue. The conclusion on the ultrasound picture is performed by a functional diagnostics doctor, urologist, gynecologist.
One of the most informative, safe and frequently used methods for diagnosing prostate diseases is ultrasound. The principle of the study is to display ultrasonic waves reflected from the organ on the monitor. At the same time, it is possible to obtain data on the size and shape of the prostate, the structure of its tissues, the presence of neoplasms, seals, scars and other pathological changes.
Since the gland is located next to bone tissue and hollow organs filled with gases, ultrasound can be performed in two possible ways: transrectally and transabdominally. The first method gives more accurate information about the state of the prostate gland, however, it has some limitations and contraindications for conducting. In this case, the only possible way to examine the patient is transabdominal ultrasound of the prostate.
Benefits of transabdominal ultrasound
In addition, ultrasound has a number of other advantages:
- By reflecting and displaying ultrasound waves on the screen, a three-dimensional image of the prostate can be seen. At the same time, all changes in the density of the organ are noticeable, and it is also possible to set all its parameters: the size of the lobes, their location and symmetry.
- The method does not require manipulations associated with tissue trauma or the introduction of an instrument into the abdominal cavity.
- The availability of ultrasound is ensured by its relatively low cost and the availability of the necessary equipment in almost any medical institution.
- Many pathologies of the prostate affect the condition of adjacent organs and tissues. Ultrasound helps to establish the degree of structural changes not only in the prostate, but also in the bladder, kidneys, rectum.
- It is not difficult to prepare for the examination, and the duration of the manipulations themselves does not exceed 20-30 minutes.
- This diagnosis is completely safe for the patient: ultrasound does not have a negative effect on the cells of the body.
- The procedure has no contraindications.
The disadvantages of ultrasound diagnostics include a decrease in the sensitivity of the sensors when the patient is overweight and an excessive layer of fatty tissue in the lower abdomen. This method also does not allow detecting the disease at the earliest stages: the clarity of the displayed image does not make it possible to recognize the first minimal changes in tissue structure.
What pathologies can a transabdominal ultrasound (TAUSI) be prescribed?
Among them, the following pathologies are most often determined:
Quite often, ultrasound is used as a preliminary diagnostic measure, based on the results of which the patient is assigned a further examination to make a more accurate diagnosis.
Who is ultrasound indicated for?
Referral for ultrasound examination is received by patients with elevated PSA levels, with changes in tissue structure revealed during rectal examination of the prostate gland, as well as in the presence of symptoms indicative of prostate disease. Preventive examination using ultrasound is recommended once a year for all men over 50 years old due to the high probability of developing various neoplasms.
How to prepare properly
For the most accurate results, the bladder should be well filled. 30-40 minutes before the manipulation, the patient needs to drink at least 1-1.5 liters of ordinary water. If the patient has a problem with urinary incontinence, do not drink large amounts of fluids. In this case, the examination is carried out with an unfilled bladder, or another more suitable diagnostic method is selected. On the morning of the day of the planned study, it is recommended to have a bowel movement.
If TAUSI is carried out as planned, 10 days before diagnostic measures, it is necessary to stop taking aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The sequence of actions for TAUSI
When examining the prostate gland, the patient is placed on his back. For tighter contact with the skin and better glide, a layer of a special gel is applied to the surface of the lower abdomen. Next, an ultrasound probe is used to scan the prostate and other abdominal organs. To obtain a volumetric image, the angle and position of the sensor are constantly changed.
After a careful examination of the prostate gland, an examination of the bladder, urinary tract, and kidneys is carried out. If the patient has a second or third stage of adenoma, during the examination he may be asked to empty the bladder to determine the amount of residual urine.
In most cases, after detecting neoplasms in the tissues of the prostate gland on TAUS, the patient is recommended to undergo a biopsy to determine the nature of the tumors. With a uniformly enlarged gland, a blood test and bacteriological culture of a smear from the urethra and seminal fluid are performed to confirm the inflammatory process. Determination of the size of the prostate and the presence of possible structural changes in the bladder and other organs of the urinary system with hyperplasia makes it possible to determine the further tactics of treatment.
The prostate gland is the organ responsible for maintaining libido and erectile function. The prostate secretes a special secretion that forms the seminal fluid. The reproductive strength of a man and the viability of his sperm depend on the quality of this secret.
Due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics, the prostate gland is especially vulnerable to external and internal aggressive factors. Banal inflammation can develop into prostatitis, adenoma, and then into a malignant form of cancer.
Given such a delicate nature of the problem, many men try to deliberately keep silent about their poor health, avoiding unpleasant and humiliating procedures. Transabdominal ultrasound of the prostate- an ideal option for a comfortable in all respects diagnosis of any prostate diseases, even in the early stages.
Description
Transabdominal ultrasound examination is a diagnostic method that is carried out through the abdominal wall. Despite the fact that the transrectal method is more informative, the first option is the most popular.
Transabdominal ultrasound is considered mandatory if pathological problems in the rectum are an obstacle to the introduction of a diagnostic sensor into the organ cavity. It can be anal fissures, painful inflammation, exacerbation of hemorrhoids, accompanied by uncoordinated prolapse of hemorrhoids.
What pathologies can be identified
Simultaneously with the prostate gland, the diagnostician carefully examines the seminal vesicles, which produce seminal fluid. They are located directly behind the prostate. With the help of ultrasound, you can get valuable information for making the following diagnoses:
-Chronic prostatitis;
-Acute prostatitis;
-BPH;
-The presence of purulent formations in the organ, abscesses;
-Fibrinous formations, scars;
-Malignant formations;
-Hypertrophy or malnutrition of the organ.
How to prepare for the procedure
Make an ultrasound tranabdominal or to give preference to the rectal method - the doctor decides. He tells the patient how to prepare for the upcoming procedure.
1.5 - 2 hours before the diagnostic event, a man should drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid. Better if it is still mineral water.
The transabdominal technique is used to determine the volume of residual urinary fluid in the bladder. The doctor studies the structure, contours, sizes, general condition and features of the configuration of the organs of the reproductive and urinary systems. This method is often prescribed when there is a suspicion of prostate adenoma or the presence of hypertrophy of unexplained genesis.
An important nuance: if the patient is obese, then it will be impossible to study the prostate gland through the abdominal wall. The larger the body fat, the greater the error in the study.
How is the procedure carried out
The transabdominal method of diagnosing the prostate gland is carried out according to the standard scheme.
The patient takes a horizontal position. A little special gel is applied to the skin. This will allow the sensor of the apparatus and the surfaces of the human body to be in contact as closely as possible. The procedure lasts from 15 minutes to half an hour. It all depends on what diagnostic goals the specialist pursues.
A detailed transcript of the images obtained during the ultrasound examination is issued immediately to the patient or a specialized specialist. Modern diagnostic centers allow you to carry out the most delicate and complex diagnostic measures as quickly and comfortably as possible.
Loading ...