Those undergoing a prostate biopsy have some good news from Windsor Regional Hospital.
It says a new procedure introduced at the hospital recently is safer.
Transperineal prostate biopsy removes a small tissue sample through the skin of the perineum rather than the rectum.
More and more, the procedure is preferred over transrectal biopsy because there's a lower risk of infection.
Both methods show similar cancer detection accuracy.
Doctors at the hospital performed 569 transrectal prostate biopsies last year. The first transperineal biopsy at Windsor Regional was performed this month by urologist Dr Tom Deklaj.
"The major push to do this procedure here locally is a lower complication rate," he said. "Traditionally, these biopsies have been done at our institution using a transrectal approach. The transperineal approach is associated with a lower risk of post-biopsy sepsis and a lower risk of bleeding."
Over the past six months, the hospital acquired the needed equipment and trained staff to perform the procedure.
In the first week, six procedures were performed, and several more patients are expected to undergo them in the coming weeks.
"These are patients who would have had to travel outside of Windsor to have this procedure done," added Deklaj. "It also provides potential opportunities for new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for men with potential prostate cancer."
The hospital anticipates that, with increasing familiarity, the new technique will become an increasingly viable option for patients and their urologists.
"We are always looking to add to our clinical service options when they can be tested, properly resourced, and safely conducted," said President and CEO Kristin Kennedy.
