Step 1: Planning your transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)
At this appointment the healthcare team will map out the size and position of the prostate.
- The TRUS will be done by your doctor or by a specially trained radiation therapist.
- You will lie on your back with your feet in stirrups.
- Some jelly will be put into the urethra. The urethra is a tube that runs through the prostate which carries urine from the bladder. This is done so that the urethra can be seen on the ultrasound. This may cause some discomfort.
- An ultrasound probe will be put into your rectum to get images of your prostate.
- The images will be used to plan for your permanent seed brachytherapy treatment. Usually 80 to 120 seeds are needed.
- On the day of your TRUS you may have blood tests done and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart.
The computer gives a 3-D image of the prostate, rectum, urethra and seeds.
The ultrasound shows the size and shape of the prostate as seen on TRUS.
How do I get ready for my TRUS?
- You may need to give yourself a fleet enema 1 hour before the TRUS appointment. Your health care team will let you know. You can buy the fleet enema at your pharmacy. You do not need a prescription.
- Check in at the Ground Floor Radiation Therapy reception desk
