transrectal

Transrectal refers to something performed through or via the rectum. In medical contexts, the term is most often used to describe imaging or procedures that access pelvic organs from the rectal route. It is commonly encountered in urology and colorectal imaging and interventions.

A central use is transrectal ultrasound, or TRUS, which employs an ultrasound probe inserted into the rectum to generate real-time images of the prostate and surrounding tissues. TRUS is used to evaluate urologic symptoms, guide procedures, assess anatomy, and plan treatment. It can be performed alone or in combination with other imaging modalities.

Transrectal biopsy specifically refers to taking tissue samples through the rectal wall, most commonly a prostate biopsy guided by TRUS. This technique typically involves inserting a needle through the rectal wall into the prostate to obtain cores for histological examination. A systematic sampling approach, often with multiple cores, is used to detect cancer or other abnormalities. Prophylactic antibiotics and local anesthesia or nerve blocks are commonly employed to reduce infection and pain, and the procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

Other transrectal procedures include biopsy or sampling of rectal lesions and certain staging or diagnostic assessments where access through the rectum provides a direct view or aid. When comparing transrectal approaches with transperineal methods, the choice depends on diagnostic goals, infection risk, patient anatomy, and clinical judgment.

Limitations of transrectal techniques include dependence on operator skill, variability in image quality, potential patient discomfort, and risks such as rectal bleeding, infection, and, rarely, rectal injury. The term remains descriptive of the route rather than a single standardized procedure.