The prostate fusion biopsy is the performance of a prostate sampling, based on a union of the images of the prostate MRI test together with those of the ultrasound.
Based on the previous prostate MRI study, and once the suspicious areas have been delimited, we take these images to the ultrasound scanner, with which we are guided to obtain the biopsy samples and we merge the images with a software that mediates in order to be able to join both types of studies.
As a result, we end up performing a biopsy of the lesions with data of clear suspicion at the level of form, function and anatomy, thanks to the knowledge that has been developed in the obtaining of prostatic magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, it is an intelligent study, and not randomized to obtaining blinded, but randomized samples from different areas of the prostate.
What is it useful for?
It serves to take a step forward in the delineation of prostate lesions. Classically, ultrasound-guided biopsies have been performed, covering the most common areas of prostate lesion location. Whereas here we go a step further and study how the prostate tissue works with MRI, how its tissues function in terms of their feeding and how they work in their structure.
With this we can see if they have abnormal behaviors in some regions of the prostate and, then, in a second time we go to the areas that have a functionalism and an abnormal presence of vessels and we take samples from them.
Which patients are targeted?
Fundamentally, it is aimed at patients with a previous negative biopsy, who continue to have abnormal results in the studies that indicate suspicion: determination of PSA, free PSA, PSA density, PSA velocity, liquid biopsy +, suspicious PCA3….
It has clearly demonstrated greater efficacy and performance in detecting suspicious lesions with this technique compared to the classic ones, also reducing the detection of indolent lesions. At present, this is where its greatest benefit lies, in the case of patients who need a repeat biopsy.
How much time is required for recovery?
Recovery is rapid, requiring only a few hours of observation after the procedure. In our environment we are performing it under regional anesthesia and on an outpatient basis.
For more information, do not hesitate to contact a specialist in Urology.