Precision-Driven, Patient-Centered Approach: The New Standard in Prostate Cancer Biopsy

Rocky Mountain Urology Center has introduced a groundbreaking freehand, MRI fusion-guided, transperineal prostate biopsy performed under anesthesia, providing a more precise and pain free prostate biopsy experience.

The UroNav system fusion biopsy, performed under anesthesia, allows doctors at Rocky Mountain Urology to access the prostate transperineally through the skin below the scrotum. Traditional prostate biopsies are taken through the rectum, but this safer, freehand approach via the perineum greatly reduces infection risk, provides more accurate sampling and is completed in approximately 15 minutes under anesthesia as an outpatient.

“This is a huge step forward for prostate diagnostics for the men in our community,” says Dr. Aashish Kabra, who performs this procedure along with Dr. Stephen Williams, Dr. Jamie Lowe and Dr. Scott Castle.

The procedure accesses the prostate via two small puncture sites utilizing precise imaging guidance of UroNav, a mobile workstation that fuses pre-biopsy MR images of the prostate with ultrasound-guided biopsy images in real time. Valley View acquired this cutting-edge technology with the support of a generous donor to Valley View Foundation.

“Prostate MRI provides far more information than other imaging modalities,” says Dr. Kabra. “With our robust prostate MRI protocol, we are able to see subtle cancerous changes in the prostate reliably to guide the biopsy as opposed to relying only on ultrasound.

Beyond precision and lower infection rates, biopsy patients can also rest assured that their comfort is a top priority. Rocky Mountain Urology is the only practice on the Western Slope that performs this procedure under anesthesia. As for recovery, Dr. Kabra tells patients to plan for a day or two of mild soreness in the area but no physical restrictions nor significant recovery period.

“The hope is that more men take part in preventative prostate health discussions with their primary care providers,” says Dr. Kabra, “and as a result, men do not need to be fearful of what may lay in store based on the historical stigma of prostate cancer diagnostics and treatment. We want men to have the best urological health but also optimize their entire urologic journey and experience into later decades of life. We know that this new, more comfortable method for prostate biopsy will encourage men to have less anxiety and more confidence with this procedure.”

If you're 45 or older, or have a family history of prostate cancer, contact your primary care doctor or Rocky Mountain Urology for a prostate health screening at 970.928.0808.