Day theatre procedure
About this service
A prostate biopsy samples prostate tissue for diagnosis, and it is carried out in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre. This procedure is usually recommended after other tests, such as a blood test or examination, raise concern about the prostate, giving your doctor a definitive way to check for abnormal cells. Small samples of tissue are taken from the prostate using a needle, guided carefully to ensure representative samples are collected, and these are then sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis.
It is a routine and well-established way of investigating prostate concerns, even though the reason for having one can understandably feel worrying. Your doctor will explain the results clearly once they are available and discuss what they mean for you.
What to expect
- You start a short antibiotic course beforehand and tell your doctor about any blood-thinning medicines you take.
- Guided by ultrasound, the doctor takes several fine-needle cores from different parts of the prostate while you are numbed or under anaesthesia.
- A little blood in the urine, stool or semen for a few weeks is common and usually settles on its own.
- Your samples go to the pathology laboratory and you return to our rooms to discuss the results in person.
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Raised PSA levels found on a blood test
- An abnormal finding on prostate examination
- A doctor has recommended further investigation of the prostate
- Family history of prostate concerns prompting closer investigation
Frequently asked questions
How is a prostate biopsy done at Eastgate Clinic?
A fine needle takes several small cores of prostate tissue, guided by ultrasound so the samples are taken from the right areas. It is done in the day theatre under anaesthesia or local numbing.
Do I need antibiotics before a prostate biopsy?
Usually yes. Your doctor prescribes a short antibiotic course to start before the procedure, and you may be asked to stop blood-thinning medicines a few days ahead.
When will I get my prostate biopsy results?
The samples go to a pathology laboratory and results normally take about a week to ten days. Your doctor books a follow-up visit to go through them with you rather than giving them over the phone.
For referring doctors
Referring doctors can book prostate biopsy procedures through Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre in Windhoek, with anaesthetist support available. Contact us to arrange theatre time for your patient.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your prostate biopsy?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.