Module 6

Transperineal (TP) biopsy

Now preferred: technique, the infection advantage, and local-anaesthetic LATP.

This is where modern practice has landed, and for a genuinely good reason. Once you see why, the whole shift makes sense.

MRI slices live

The raw multi-parametric scan.

3D reconstruction live

Segmented gland, zones and lesion as a rotatable model.

Beside-patient spatial teaching future spatial workflow

Future spatial-computing workflows for placing the anatomy model in clinical space.

01 How TP works 4 min

TP means transperineal. The needle passes through the skin of the perineum, in front of the anus, not through the rectum. The patient is usually in lithotomy, and the operator works freehand or through a grid template.

See it in 3D. Picture the route to the gland from below by rotating the model. Open in 3D

Key point TP goes through perineal skin, bypassing the rectum entirely.

You can describe the TP route and position.

In a transperineal biopsy, the needle passes through what?

02 Why it took over 4 min

Because it avoids the rectum, TP carries a dramatically lower risk of sepsis, and often needs little or no antibiotic prophylaxis. For a common procedure, that is a major safety gain.

One-liner Skip the rectum, skip most of the infection risk.

You can give the single best reason TP replaced TRUS.

The main advantage of TP over TRUS is what?

03 Reaching the hard places 3 min

TP also reaches parts of the gland that TRUS samples poorly, especially anterior and apical lesions. So it is not only safer, it can be more thorough for awkwardly placed disease.

You know TP has a sampling advantage as well as a safety one.

TP gives better access to which areas?

04 LATP in clinic 4 min

LATP, local anaesthetic transperineal biopsy, lets the procedure happen awake, under local anaesthetic, often in a clinic setting rather than theatre. It keeps the safety benefits while reducing the need for a general anaesthetic.

Key point LATP is the modern default in many UK units: transperineal, awake, local anaesthetic.

You can explain what LATP means and why it is attractive. End of Module 6.

What does LATP stand for in practice?

That is Module 6. You understand why transperineal is now the preferred route.

Next: Local anaesthetic and the periprostatic block →