Transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy for detecting prostate cancer: can random biopsies be reduced using the 4-dimensional technique?

We present our experience with a new technique of real time 3-dimensional sonography -- "4-dimensional Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)" guided prostate biopsy. A total of 64 patients suspected of having prostate cancer based on an elevated prostate-specific antigen (greater than 4 ng/ml) formed the study group. A voluson (General Electric Vivid 3) ultrasound machine equipped with a transrectal 5-8 MHz curvilinear transducer was used.