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Massey is now offering a new, innovative procedure for prostate cancer biopsies, performing transperineal biopsies in its downtown Adult Outpatient Pavilion. The addition of the outpatient procedure marks another way Massey is continuing to be on the leading edge of prostate cancer detection and treatment across the commonwealth.

The current standard of care in most European countries, transperineal biopsies are considered significantly safer than transrectal biopsies, which carry a greater risk of infection and sepsis due to the placement of a needle through the rectum.

“Based on a number of new trials evaluating transrectal and transperineal biopsies, I believe transperineal biopsy should be the new standard of care moving forward,” said Alexander Kenigsberg, M.D., director of urologic oncology at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and VCU Health. “We have probably been underestimating the morbidity associated with transrectal biopsies and, as the evidence has matured, it clearly shows transperineal biopsies to be a safer option for patients.”

The outpatient procedure, which Massey began implementing in mid-July, typically takes 10-15 minutes and is performed in an exam room with local anesthesia and self-administered nitrous oxide and is very well tolerated. Additionally, evidence shows that the procedure can be done with a low-intensity or no antibiotic, which reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance and medication side effects.

“We were already doing the MRI-based fusion biopsies,” Kenigsberg remarked. “But now we get this benefit of getting optimal detection with the lower infection risk and less side effects.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute.

Massey is offering the procedure at its Adult Outpatient Pavilion in downtown Richmond. For more information on available treatments, visit our website or call (804) 828-7999 to request an appointment.