by EBSCO Medical Review Board
(TRUS; Prostate Ultrasound; Endorectal Ultrasound; ERUS)

Definition

A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is a test that uses sound waves to view the prostate and surrounding tissue.

Reasons for Procedure

A TRUS is done to look for problems in the rectum and surrounding structures, such as the prostate. It may also be done to help guide a needle during a prostate biopsy .

Possible Complications

Most people do not have problems from a TRUS.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the TRUS
  • Giving yourself an enema before the exam to empty the colon and rectum
  • Whether you need a ride to and from the TRUS

Anesthesia

No anesthesia is needed.

Description of the Procedure

You will be asked to urinate before the TRUS. You will lie on a table on your left side with your knees bent toward your chest. A probe the size of a finger will be coated with a gel. It will then be inserted into the rectum. Images of the prostate and surrounding tissue will be taken. The probe will be removed.

How Long Will It Take?

30 minutes

Will It Hurt?

You will feel mild pressure or fullness when the probe is inserted.

Average Hospital Stay

You will be able to go home the same day.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

After the TRUS, you will be given a towel to clean yourself.

At Home

You will be able to go back to normal activities right away. The test results will be sent to your doctor. Make sure to call if you do not hear back from your doctor about the test.

Call Your Doctor

Call the doctor if you have any symptoms that become worse.

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES

National Cancer Institute  https://www.cancer.gov 

RadiologyInfo.org—Radiological Society of North America, Inc.  https://www.radiologyinfo.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Cancer Society  https://www.cancer.ca 

Health Canada  https://www.canada.ca 

References

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Prostate cancer: diagnosis and treatment. NICE 2014 Jan:CG175

Prostate or transrectal ultrasound. Cedars Sinai website. Available at: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Imaging-Center/For-Patients/Exams-by-Procedure/Ultrasound/Prostate-or-Transrectal-Ultrasound.aspx. Accessed May 26, 2020.

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Canadian Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/tests-and-procedures/transrectal-ultrasound-trus/?region=on. Accessed May 26, 2020.

Ultrasound—prostate. RadiologyInfo.org—Radiological Society of North America, Inc. website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=us-prostate. Updated January 28, 2020. Accessed May 26, 2020.

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