Things You Must Know About Transrectal Ultrasound

Transrectal Ultrasound

Transrectal ultrasound or transrectal sonography is the medical term used by doctors to detect problems in the pelvic region. The doctors diagnose the problems by inserting an ultrasound transducer through the patient’s rectum and then recording the results. Most commonly, it is used to check the functioning of prostate glands and nearby tissues and ducts. Transrectal ultrasound is one of the pelvic ultrasound that detects problems like prostatitis and urinary tract infections. A single transrectal ultrasound can cost you around ₹1800.

What is Transrectal Ultrasound?

Transrectal ultrasound is a high-frequency diagnostic imaging procedure that employs ultrasonic waves. A special probe known as a transrectal ultrasound transducer is used during the examination. Transrectal ultrasound radiologists insert the probe into the rectum. The high-frequency sound signals reach the part to be examined and reflected back. This results in images that are converted into diagnosis reports.

How does the Transrectal Ultrasound Machinery Work?

A transrectal ultrasound transducer (TRUS) or endorectal transducer (ERUS). 

A special probe known as a transrectal ultrasound transducer is used during the examination. The shape of this transducer is designed in such a manner that it can easily be inserted inside the rectum. Based on the requirement and the organ to be diagnosed, there are two kinds of transrectal ultrasounds transducers; these include,

1. 1. Linear transducer
2. 2. Convex transducers or curved transducers
3.  

The linear transrectal ultrasound transducer is a long tube-like device that is handled by a transrectal ultrasound practitioner. The head of the transrectal transducer is round in shape, which imparts ultrasonic waves inside the rectum. The frequency of sound waves that are directed inside the rectum is between 8MHz and 10MHz. 

A transrectal ultrasound radiologist is a person that operates the transrectal ultrasound machine and handles the probe that is inserted into the patient’s rectum. The radiologist then switches ON and directs the sound waves that are emitted through the head of the probe. The radiologist takes control of the frequency that is targeted on the body. 

Signals Retrieved from the Body Tissues are Captured by the Analyzers

The reflected signals from the target tissues are received by the analyzer. The transrectal ultrasound analyzer is a built-in device present inside the probe which analyses the retrieved signals and converts them into electrical signals that are transferred to the computer. These electrical signals or compressed into graphics that can be visualized on the ultrasound screen. The rectal images obtained are also printed on ultrasound sheets called sonograms. These transrectal ultrasound sonograms help doctors to view the irregularities in tissue anatomy and physiology if they exist.

The transrectal ultrasound results from the ultrasound computer are interpreted by the radiologist to prepare a diagnosis report. The transrectal ultrasound report, along with the sonogram, is sent to the doctors for further treatment protocols. 

Transrectal Ultrasound Radiologist

A transrectal ultrasound radiologist is a person that operates the transrectal ultrasound machine and handles the probe that is inserted into the patient’s rectum. The radiologist then switches ON and directs the sound waves that are emitted through the head of the probe. The radiologist takes control of the frequency that is targeted on the body. 

Purpose of transrectal ultrasound

Transrectal ultrasound is an essential non-invasive technique to peek into the pelvic region. It is recommended by doctors whenever a patient complains about problems and discomforts in their lower digestive tract, Urinary tract, problems in pooping, bowel irregularities, kidney dysfunctions, etc. 

Prostate biopsy: Transrectal ultrasound is also used to carry out a prostate biopsy. This prostate biopsy is commonly known as TRUS-guided biopsy. In this procedure, a small sample of prostate tissue and surrounding region is taken out from the body with the help of a diagnostic imaging technique that is transrectal ultrasound. 

Patients are asked to undergo a transrectal ultrasound to diagnose the following conditions:

1. 1. Appendicitis
2. 2. Hernia 
3. 3. Cystitis
4. 4. Sexually transmitted diseases
5. 5. Prostate gland infections
6. 6. Irritable bowel syndromes
7. 7. Urinary tract infection
8. 8. Prostatitis
9.  

Things males must know about transrectal ultrasound:

1. 1. Medications must be taken as prescribed by the doctor 
2. 2. History of surgeries and other treatments must be informed to the doctor.
3. 3. Peeing 90 minutes before the scan is necessary for transrectal ultrasound
4. 4. Drink water that can fill up your bladder
5. 5. Wear loose clothes
6. 6. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown before the exam.
7.  

Prices of Transrectal ultrasound in different locations of India:

 Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) Prices in Indian metropolitan cities

Q.1 What is Transrectal ultrasound?

Transrectal ultrasound is a high-frequency diagnostic imaging procedure that employs ultrasonic waves. A special probe known as a transrectal ultrasound transducer is used during the examination. Transrectal ultrasound radiologists insert the probe into the rectum. The high-frequency sound signals reach the part to be examined and reflected back. This results in images that are converted into diagnosis reports.

Q. 2 What are the different body parts for which Transrectal ultrasound can be used for diagnosis?

The body parts for which transrectal ultrasound can be used for diagnosis include,

1. 1. Rectum
2. 2. Kidneys 
3. 3. Pelvic region blood vessels
4. 4. Lower digestive tract
5. 5. Urinary tract
6. 6. Reproductive parts

Q.3 What are the other forms of lower abdomen ultrasounds other than transrectal ultrasounds?

The other forms of lower abdomen ultrasounds other than transrectal ultrasounds

1. 1. Transvaginal ultrasound
2. 2. Doppler ultrasound
3. 3. Transabdominal ultrasound
4.  

Q4. What is the purpose of transrectal ultrasound

The purpose of the transrectal ultrasound is to identify abnormalities in complaints in the rectum, kidneys, and the surrounding blood vessels, discomforts in the lower digestive tract, urinary tract, reproductive parts, problems in pooping, bowel irregularities, kidney dysfunctions, etc. 

Prostate biopsy: Transrectal ultrasound is also used to carry out a prostate biopsy. This prostate biopsy is commonly known as TRUS-guided biopsy. In this procedure, a small sample of prostate tissue and surrounding region is taken out from the body with the help of a diagnostic imaging technique that is transrectal ultrasound. 

Q5. What is a TRUS-guided biopsy?

Transrectal ultrasound is an important tool to visualize the tissues that need to be extracted. Transrectal ultrasound is carried out during prostate biopsy. This prostate biopsy is commonly known as TRUS-guided biopsy. In this procedure, a small sample of prostate tissue and surrounding region is taken out from the body with the help of a diagnostic imaging technique that is transrectal ultrasound. 

Q6. What preparations shall I need before going for Transrectal ultrasound?

Things you must know before you go for your transrectal ultrasound:

1. 1. Medications must be taken as prescribed by the doctor 
2. 2. History of surgeries and other treatments must be informed to the doctor.
3. 3. Peeing 90 minutes before the scan is necessary for transrectal ultrasound
4. 4. Drink water that can fill up your bladder
5. 5. Wear loose clothes
6. 6. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown before the exam.
7.  

Q.7 What are the costs of Transrectal ultrasound in different cities of India?

You can check out the costs of Transrectal ultrasound in different locations in India:

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