Prostate saturation biopsy is an advanced diagnostic procedure used to obtain multiple tissue samples from the prostate gland to evaluate for the presence of prostate cancer. Unlike traditional prostate biopsies that collect 12 to 14 core samples, a saturation biopsy involves taking a much larger number of samples, often 20 to 40, from various regions of the prostate. This method aims to improve the accuracy of cancer detection, particularly in men with previously negative biopsy results but persistently elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels or abnormal digital rectal exams (DRE). The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia and typically involves transrectal or transperineal approaches, guided by ultrasound imaging to ensure precise sampling. The primary reason for performing a prostate saturation biopsy is to diagnose prostate cancer, especially in patients with high suspicion of malignancy after one or more negative standard biopsies. It is also used to map the extent of cancer in patients already diagnosed, providing a more comprehensive assessment of tumor location and aggressiveness, which is essential for determining appropriate treatment options. Complications associated with prostate saturation biopsy can include bleeding from the rectum or urethra, infection, blood in the urine or semen, and temporary difficulty urinating. There is also a small risk of more serious infections, such as sepsis, requiring medical intervention. Despite these potential risks, prostate saturation biopsy is a valuable tool for detecting prostate cancer more effectively and guiding treatment decisions, particularly in high-risk patients.
