Generality
Suprapubic ultrasound of the prostate - or supra-pubic prostatic ultrasound - is a rather common examination, which is usually carried out in order to determine the volume of this gland and highlight any anomalies that may indicate the presence of prostatic diseases.
Applications
As mentioned, the suprapubic ultrasound of the prostate is performed to investigate the size and presence of any prostate abnormalities. These investigations are carried out for the purpose of:
- Perform a diagnosis of benign prostatic hypertrophy;
- Evaluate the presence of inflammatory pathologies such as prostatitis;
- Investigate the causes of increased levels of PSA (Specific Prostate Antigen), a particular type of enzyme produced by the prostate;
- Evaluate the presence of prostate tumors.
Despite the various possible applications, in the majority of cases this type of prostatic ultrasound is performed to carry out the diagnosis of any benign prostatic hypertrophy. In fact, with suprapubic ultrasound - in addition to the size of the prostate - it is also possible to evaluate the characteristics of the bladder, which is often affected by the enlargement of this gland. Furthermore, suprapubic ultrasound of the prostate allows the study of urine residue in the bladder following urination. This data is very useful because, usually, in the case of benign prostatic hypertrophy, the post-urination residue in the bladder tends to increase.
In some cases, on the other hand, the suprapubic ultrasound of the prostate can be performed as a preliminary examination before performing a transrectal prostatic ultrasound, a slightly more invasive examination that can provide more detailed and precise information on the characteristics of the prostate (compared to simple ultrasound). suprapubic) and during which it is also possible to perform a prostatic biopsy .
Exam Preparation
Suprapubic ultrasound of the prostate is a relatively simple examination, which does not require special precautions or attention.
However, the test must be performed with a full bladder. For this reason, the patient will have to drink about a liter of water at least an hour before the ultrasound scan.
At the end of the exam, the doctor will ask the patient to urinate, in order to empty the bladder and be able to evaluate the post-urination urinary residue.
How it is performed
Suprapubic prostatic ultrasound is performed using an ultrasound machine equipped with a normal ultrasound probe, which is positioned, precisely, in the supra-pubic area, indicatively between the navel and the base of the penis.
By positioning and moving the probe in this area, the doctor will therefore be able to investigate the characteristics of the prostate and bladder, assessing its size, morphology, the presence of any anomalies and determining the residue of urine following urination.
