It is no secret that prostatitis is considered one of the most common diseases in men. But in order for the disease to not progress and in the future to avoid such negative consequences as adenoma or infertility, it is necessary that treatment be started on time. And only correctly carried out diagnostics of this organ can help in this. And since progress does not stand still, a new one appears to replace ordinary ultrasound - TRUSI (transrectal examination of the prostate gland).
TRUS: what is it?
To understand what this examination is, we will start with the very sources of its origin, namely with ultrasound. Ultrasound, or, as it is also called, sonography, forms a picture of organs located inside the body using a high-frequency ultrasonic wave. A feature of this study is that it completely lacks radiation. In addition, it should be borne in mind that, since this examination takes place in real time, it not only transfers the structure of the organ to the monitor screen, but also shows the movement of blood that passes through the blood vessels. Therefore, given all of the above, it can be concluded about TRUS that this is a completely non-invasive medical examination that allows you to clarify the cause of the disease, the condition of the prostate and its glands, and also prescribe adequate treatment.
Benefits
Today, this type of examination is one of the fundamental standards in ultrasound examination of the prostate gland. Its difference from the standard ultrasound examination is that the probe will be as close as possible to the organ itself, which will allow you to get the most clear and reliable information.
Answering the question: “TRUS survey - what is it?”, There are several more advantages. These include:
- Its high availability and informativeness.
- Safety, since the use of ionizing radiation is completely ruled out during this study.
- Almost complete absence of contraindications and negative consequences, which allows you to use it an unlimited number of times.
In addition, with this examination, it is possible to perform a biopsy, that is, to take a small sample of cells for further research.
Indications
Due to its specificity, prostate transplantation can also be used in patients with excessive fatty deposits in the abdominal region, since transabdominal examination (through the abdomen) will cause certain difficulties associated with the passage of the signal through fatty tissue.
Also, one of the most frequent indications for TRUS includes:
- Determination of the presence of possible pathologies.
- Determining the size of the prostate gland, which is one of the necessary elements for the appointment of an effective treatment regimen.
- Diagnostic measures related to the detection of abnormal neoplasms within the prostate.
- Male infertility
What symptoms may be the reason for this examination?
Prostate TRUS is also used in conjunction with the following symptoms:
- The presence of prostate cancer is suspected.
- Increased PSA.
- Difficult urination.
- Constant feeling of overflow of the bladder.
- Serious abnormalities in blood and urine tests.
- A variety of pain in the perineum.
- Identification of seals in the prostate detected during palpation.
TRUS Survey: Training and Recommendations
As practice shows, for the most accurate information obtained using this examination, preliminary preparation of the patient is needed. It should start with the exclusion of foods from your diet that can cause increased gas formation. These include beans, peas, cabbage, pastries made from yeast or pasta. In addition, you should limit the intake of fresh fruits (grapes, plums, green apples), as well as highly carbonated drinks and alcohol. In order to prepare the prostate TRUS for the most complete, you need to include boiled chicken meat, fish, boiled vegetables, soup and liquid cereals in your menu.
It is especially important that the evening meal should be no later than 18. Then, after an hour or a half has passed, you need to take activated charcoal, calculating its amount based on 1 tab. per 10 kg of weight. If desired, instead of activated carbon, you can use stronger sorbents (preparations "Polyphepan", "Polysorb"), which must be taken strictly according to the instructions.
In addition, preparation for TRUS is to conduct a cleansing enema. It is also especially worth noting that in the morning it is strictly forbidden to eat food, only a few sips of water are allowed. Be prepared for the fact that the doctor may ask you to bring a condom for examination, which is best to buy for transrectal ultrasound.
As practice shows, most men need special psycho-emotional preparation. After all, it has been scientifically proven that any emotional experiences, such as fear, can cause severe pain during the entire procedure. Therefore, if you can’t calm down in the traditional way, you can take a mild sedative. An example is the Persen or Novopassit tool.
What does a TRUSI device look like?
In order to better understand how TRUSI is made, we will look at how this device looks. The scanner itself includes a console, which includes a computer, a video screen and the sensor itself, used to examine the condition of internal organs and blood vessels. Also, one of the most important components of this device is a transducer that sends high-frequency sound waves to the body and receives them back. An ultrasound image can be observed on a screen located nearby and in appearance resembling a television screen.
How is the examination done?
Typically, TRUS is an examination that lasts no more than 15–20 minutes. It begins with the fact that the patient is asked to lie on his left side, press his knees to his chest and try to relax. After that, the doctor puts a condom on the transrectal sensor and lubricates it with gel. Then it is very carefully inserted into the rectum. The maximum depth can be up to 7 cm, but at the same time, as a rule, the patient completely does not have any kind of pain.
During the TRI of the prostate, special signals are sent through the wall of the rectum with a sensor, followed by scanning of the response image. Fears should be caused by signals that signal that the prostate is enlarged, has a heterogeneous structure and fullness of arteries or veins. All the nuances are recorded in the research protocol with further transfer to the attending physician.
After the TRUS of the prostate is completed, a specialist examines the seminal vesicles. Normally, they should be with a homogeneous structure and echogenicity (the so-called ability of tissues to reflect sounds). In addition, widening of the lumen of the vesicles can cause concern, but such a phenomenon can also be observed in the case of prolonged abstinence. Therefore, the patient must either confirm or refute this point.
What can be the feelings during the procedure?
As practice shows, all ultrasound examinations performed on an open area of the body practically do not cause any inconvenience. Therefore, if there is no need for a biopsy, then the sensations from having a TRUS will be similar to the standard ultrasound procedure. If there is a need for a biopsy, slight discomfort is possible, but they usually disappear quickly.
In what cases is TRUSH contraindicated?
We have already told you what TRUSI surveys are, that this is a practical, painless study. But here there are certain limitations under which its implementation is impossible. Men with a removed rectum fall into this category, which causes a certain difficulty with the introduction of the probe. In addition, this procedure is not recommended for patients with hemorrhoids in the acute phase. But given that the percentage of men with such a problem is very small, we can safely say that there are no contraindications for TRUS.