One risk of prostate biopsy has been infection, but a new way of obtaining prostate tissue for testing greatly reduces that risk, say urologists Oleg Shapiro and Timothy Byler in this week's "HealthLink on Air."
Biopsies have been done using a probe that is inserted into the rectum. Then a needle is passed through the rectal wall and into the prostate. Infection can occur if bacteria from the patient's rectum get into the prostate. Now however, urologists at Upstate University Hospital are providing transperineal biopsies, in which a needle is inserted into the prostate through the perineum, beneath the scrotum.
"We're able to biopsy more extensively with the transperineal biopsy," Byler explains. Shapiro notes that advances in medical imaging make this technique possible.
Also on "HealthLink on Air," Dr. David Lehmann shares his experiences providing medical care in the Bahamas in the aftermath of a hurricane, and tobacco treatment specialist Theresa Hankin talks about how to quit smoking. Tune in this Sunday, November 24 at 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. for more.