What is it?
Prostate ultrasound is a test that uses ultrasound to evaluate the prostate (prostate gland).
Prostate ultrasound is a very important test for diagnosing various prostate pathologies.
Prostate ultrasound can be carried out via the supra-pubic route, where the probe is placed on the abdomen, or via the endorectal route, where the probe is inserted into the rectum.
Ultrasound uses high-frequency ultrasounds emitted by a probe and transmitted through the tissues that reflect them to form an image of the region being examined.
Prostate ultrasound is a simple, safe, harmless and painless technique.
Ultrasounds are carried out with the latest technology, on top-of-the-range high-resolution digital ultrasound equipment, including three-dimensional technology and the option of real-time 3D visualization – 4D, Color Doppler, and panoramic imaging.
High-resolution digital ultrasonic consoles are capable of using fully electronic multi-frequency probes.
How is it done?
This examination can be carried out trans-rectally or supra-pubically.
In the first case, the patient must lie on their side with their legs slightly bent so that an ultrasound probe can be inserted through the rectum.
This probe, specially designed for this examination, shows images of the tissues, their structure and the blood flow of the prostate in real time.
Although it is slightly uncomfortable, it is painless and quick.
It proves to be the best echographic approach for identifying different prostate pathologies, such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis.
It is also a good method for detecting lesions in the seminal vesicles, such as nodules or cysts.
Suprapubic ultrasound is performed through the abdominal wall.
The information obtained regarding the characteristics of the prostate is reduced, although it is possible to assess the volume of the prostate, prostate morphology – in a crude way – the capacity of the bladder and the post-micturition bladder residue (the amount of urine that remains in the bladder after urinating).
In both techniques, it’s a quick test that takes an average of 5 to 10 minutes.
If there is a need to assess the anatomical structure of the prostate in more detail, this time may be longer. This scan provides moving images, controlled via a screen.
Preparation for Prostate Ultrasound
In the case of Supra-public Prostatic Ultrasound, you should drink 1 liter of water 1 hour before the test. If the patient is going to have a trans-rectal ultrasound, it is recommended that they cleanse their rectum with a micro-clist to make the procedure easier.
Agreements and Prices of Prostate Ultrasound
- ADSE (user only pays a co-payment of €5.8), ADM GNR, SAD PSP;
- Insurers: Médis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vitória, Una Seguros, other insurers;
- Health plans: Medicare, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, other health plans.
The price varies depending on the health system or insurance you want to use.
Where to do it?
Prostate Ultrasound can be done at X-Clinic (Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco, nº26 – Middle floor, 1070-110 Lisboa) or at NRD (Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 11-B, r/c, 1070 – 060 Lisboa – Junto à Praça de Espanha)
