Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Pelvic Ultrasound versus Transrectal Ultrasound in Determining the Size and Configuration of the Prostate

Abstract

ccurate and reliable measurement of prostate volume is crucial for the management of prostate diseases. It is important not only for benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), but also in planning nonsurgical therapies of prostate cancers and follow-ups (Kim & Kim, 2008). Ultrasonography has become an important part of urology in prostate examination as it is noninvasive and safe. Developments in the technology in the recent 20 years enabled this imaging method to be used in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of prostatic diseases, especially benign prostate hyperplasia (Özden et al., 2009). The prostate can be imaged sonographically by transabdominal or transrectal approaches. The transabdominal approach allows for gross evaluation of the prostate size but does not offer images of sufficient quality to visualize zonal anatomy. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) is currently the preferred method because of its ability to demonstrate zonal anatomy, the ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles (Berry, 2003). TRUS provides an accurate and reproducible method for determining prostatic volume that is noninvasive, cost-efficient