What Is mpMRI/TRUS Prostate Fusion Biopsy?
UroNav® prostate fusion biopsy is a diagnostic procedure for patients with suspected prostate cancer based on an elevated PSA screening test or abnormal prostate exam, or for those who have received a previous negative prostate biopsy and have continued suspicioun for this condition in the past.
It is also frequently used for treatment planning for robotic surgery and radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer and to continue to monitor patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer who are on active surveillance.
Pioneers in Imaging Technology Utilization
Loyola University Medical Center is the first hospital in Illinois to use UroNav®, an MR/TRUS (magnetic resonance/transrectal ultrasound) imaging system for patients with suspected prostate cancer.
Expert urologic oncologists at Loyola use UroNav technology to fuse pre-biopsy images from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with ultrasound-guided biopsy images in real time to create a detailed, three-dimensional view of the prostate.
An improvement to a standard biopsy, this imaging system can better target areas of the prostate that are hard to see, leading to fewer biopsies, more accurate diagnosis and better treatment decisions for prostate cancer patients.
Why Choose Loyola for Prostate Fusion Biopsy?
Loyola is one of the only centers in the region with the clinical expertise and experience to perform robotic prostate cancer care.
Our fellowship-trained cancer surgeons specialize in the biopsy, diagnosis and surgical removal of many types of cancer, working closely with doctors in medical oncology, pathology and radiation therapy.
The interdisciplinary team at the MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy program provides your patients the best possible cancer care.
What to Expect with mpMRI/TRUS Prostate Fusion Biopsy
UroNav® fusion biopsy is an option for patients with suspected prostate cancer, or for those who have received a negative biopsy for this condition in the past.
This procedure is made up of two parts, a diagnostic prostate MRI and an ultrasound-guided biopsy. The patient first undergoes a prostate MRI which is interpreted by expert radiologists which special training.
On a separate visit, the patient undergoes the fusion biopsy as an outpatient by a trained urologist.
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Prostate MRI: The patient is placed on an MRI table and a probe called an endorectal coil (a tiny wire covered with a latex balloon) is inserted under the prostate. If needed, you may be given a sedative for the procedure.The MRI technologist then records a series of images of the prostate and surrounding areas.
MRI testing is painless, and you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately after your exam is complete. You may be given contrast dye to improve the accuracy of the images. If so, you will be told to drink plenty of water after the test. From start to finish, your test likely will take 45 to 60 minutes.
After the exam, a Loyola radiologist will review the images and identify any suspicious areas for cancer. He/she will then create 3D versions of these images and send them to the urologist for use in the ultrasound-guided biopsy.
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Ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: The patient may be given a mild anesthetic or sedative to alleviate any discomfort. In addition, they are given a local numbing medicine.
To begin the procedure, the patient lies on one side and the radiologist first performs a digital rectal exam. An ultrasound probe is then inserted into the rectum and biopsies are taken by the radiologist, using a very fine needle.
While performing the biopsy, the urologist references the images from the MRI to target the suspicious area(s). He/she then fuses these images over real time transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) images of the prostate. This targeted biopsy technique ensures that all the suspicious areas are sampled in order to be analyzed in the pathology lab to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer.
Ultrasound-guided fusion biopsy takes around 30 minutes. You will need to arrange to have someone drive you home after this procedure.
