Treatment Overview
A Prostate Biopsy with Antibiotic Prophylaxis is a procedure designed to diagnose prostate cancer while minimizing the risk of infection. Antibiotics are administered before, during, and sometimes after the biopsy to prevent complications, particularly urinary tract infections or sepsis.
Korean hospitals perform prostate biopsies using advanced techniques such as systematic biopsy, MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy, targeted lesion biopsy, and transperineal biopsy. With a combination of high-resolution imaging, sterile protocols, and expert urologists, Korea provides safe and accurate prostate cancer diagnosis for both local and international patients.
Purpose & Benefits
The primary purpose of biopsy with antibiotic prophylaxis is to:
- Accurately detect prostate cancer or other abnormalities
- Reduce the risk of infection after biopsy
- Ensure patient safety during and after the procedure
Benefits include:
- Safe and effective procedure with minimal infection risk
- Accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging guidance
- Outpatient procedure with fast recovery
- Reduced complications compared to biopsies without prophylaxis
- Comfortable experience under local anesthesia or sedation
Ideal Candidates
This procedure is recommended for men who:
- Require a prostate biopsy due to elevated PSA or suspicious nodules
- Are undergoing systematic, targeted, or fusion-guided biopsy
- Have higher risk of infection (history of urinary tract infections, diabetes, immunosuppression)
- Prefer minimally invasive outpatient procedures
- Require safe and precise tissue sampling for accurate diagnosis
Korean urologists evaluate each patient to choose the appropriate biopsy technique and antibiotic regimen.
Possible Risks & Complications
While generally safe, potential risks include:
- Mild bleeding in urine, stool, or semen
- Temporary discomfort at the biopsy site
- Rare urinary retention
- Rare allergic reaction to antibiotics
- Infection (very low risk due to prophylactic antibiotics and strict sterile protocols)
Techniques & Technology Used
Korean hospitals use advanced techniques and technologies for safe biopsies:
- Antibiotic prophylaxis administered orally or intravenously before the biopsy
- Transrectal or transperineal biopsy depending on patient anatomy and infection risk
- Systematic, targeted, or MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy based on imaging results
- High-resolution ultrasound for real-time guidance
- Automated spring-loaded biopsy needles for precise tissue sampling
- Local anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort
These measures ensure accurate diagnosis with minimal risk of infection or complications.
Treatment Process in Korea
- Consultation & Evaluation – Review PSA, imaging, medical history, and infection risk
- Pre-Biopsy Preparation – Blood tests, antibiotics, and anesthesia planning
- Biopsy Procedure – Tissue cores collected under sterile conditions with prophylactic antibiotics
- Observation & Recovery – Short monitoring period before discharge
- Pathology Results – Typically available within 3–5 days, with English-language reports for international patients
Medical tourism coordinators provide assistance with appointments, translation, and follow-up care.
Recovery & After-Care
- Mild soreness or bruising at the biopsy site is normal
- Blood in urine or semen may last a few days
- Drink plenty of fluids to help recovery
- Avoid heavy exercise and sexual activity for 24–48 hours
- Take prescribed antibiotics as instructed
- Contact the hospital if fever, severe pain, or urinary difficulties occur
Results & Longevity
Biopsy results provide:
- Confirmation or exclusion of prostate cancer
- Gleason score and Grade Group
- Tumor location and extent
These results guide treatment planning and long-term monitoring. They remain valid unless PSA rises or new symptoms appear.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Experienced urologists specializing in infection-safe prostate biopsies
- Advanced imaging and biopsy technologies
- Low infection and complication rates due to strict prophylaxis protocols
- Fast scheduling and efficient care for international patients
- English-language support and medical tourism services
- Cost-effective compared to Western countries
Cost Range
Typical costs for prostate biopsy with antibiotic prophylaxis in Korea:
₩1,000,000 – ₩4,000,000 KRW (~$750–$3,200 USD)
Costs vary depending on:
- Type of biopsy (systematic, targeted, fusion-guided, transperineal)
- MRI involvement
- Hospital grade (private vs. university hospital)
- Number of biopsy cores collected
Additional fees may include pre-biopsy tests, consultations, and pathology.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Seoul National University Hospital – Urology Center
- Samsung Medical Center – Fusion & Targeted Biopsy Program
- Asan Medical Center – Urology Department
- Gangnam Severance Hospital – Advanced Prostate Biopsy Unit
- Korea University Anam Hospital – Targeted & Systematic Biopsy
- JK Urology & Men’s Health Clinics – International Patient Services
