What Does The Trans-rectal Ultrasound Report Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 9 Mar 2015

Question: My Urologist wants to do a Trans-rectal ultrasound of my prostate. I went online to see what is involved and it says a male patient lays on his left side with his knees drawn up to his chest. Why does a male have to lay on his side? My wife had one done and was in the Lithotomy (I hope I spelled it right) position. The Prostate gland lies mid-line on the front wall of the pelvic floor does it not? The reason im asking is, I have severe arthritis in both knees and hips and I am not able to lay on any side for more than a couple of minutes. The pain in my hips and knees,(even with a pillow between them is too much. So, can this procedure be done with me in the Lithotomy position or do I need to tell him forget it?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
explained

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your query

I feel that even if you tell your doctor about it, they may be able to take it in consideration.

The fact remains that the perineum of females is much more loose compared to that of males.
So for them it is easier to do the procedure in lithotomy position.
In males the anal sphincter is more relaxed in the side ways position- lateral position.

By the way, you have to bend the knees and hips even in the lithotomy position.
So you may take that into consideration before you talk to your doctor.

I feel the procedure is usually very short duration. So you can go ahead with the test. No Need to skip it.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (1 hour later)

Its not the bending,its the pressure of body weight on my hips and knees if i lay on either side. I have to sleep on my back with my knees slightly bent. I had to have my Tonsils removed do to sleep apnea when I slept on my back because I couldn't stand using my CPAP machine. So,can a trans-rectal ultrasound be done on a male in the Lithotomy position? laying on my side for more than a couple of minutes (and I mean like 1 or two minutes) is excruciating and is out of the question or do I say forget it?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it can be done

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the response.

As I said before you can do it.

It is more easily done in females than males on that position (I already explained to you why). But it can be done.

I hope that the information helps you. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.

Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E