Color Doppler TRUS

What is a Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)?

A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is a non-invasive procedure in which a probe is inserted into the rectum in order to take a “picture” of the prostate. Careful ultrasound evaluations, including black and white and color Doppler imaging, are important in identifying the size and the location of a tumor.

Many physicians use only black and white imaging. Dr. Bahn, however, uses both black and white and color Doppler ultrasounds including power Doppler and tissue harmonic technology. The Institute’s state-of-the-art ultrasound allows Dr. Bahn to precisely determine the prostate’s size. This measurement is then used to calculate the predicted PSA level based on the size of the prostate. This is then used to determine if that individual PSA is abnormal for that particular patient.

In addition to more precise measurements of the prostate, the color Doppler imaging technology can more accurately detect subtle abnormalities in the prostate by looking at the blood flow patterns. Prostate disease often results in an increase in blood flow to the affected area, which the color imagining was made for reading.

If no abnormal areas are detected and particularly if the elevated PSA level can be explained by the size of the prostate, a biopsy may not be required. If such is the case, we may not rush to biopsy in order to make a diagnosis. Watchful waiting, with periodic PSA testing, may be adequate. However, if the serum PSA level is higher than the predicted level or if areas of abnormality are found, the patient may be at a risk of having a significant tumor. In these cases, a biopsy would be recommended.

PIOA Ongoing Clinical Trial
