Treatment Overview
A Transperineal Prostate Biopsy is a modern and highly accurate method of obtaining prostate tissue samples through the skin between the scrotum and anus (the perineum). Unlike the traditional transrectal biopsy, this technique avoids passing the needle through the rectum, significantly lowering infection risks and providing better access to all regions of the prostate—including the anterior zone, where many hidden tumors are found.
Korea has become a leading destination for transperineal biopsies due to its advanced imaging systems, sterilized operating units, world-class urologists, and efficient medical tourism support. Many top Korean hospitals now prefer transperineal biopsy over transrectal methods because of its superior safety profile and higher prostate cancer detection rates.
Purpose & Benefits
The primary goal of a transperineal prostate biopsy is to diagnose or rule out prostate cancer with greater accuracy and safety.
Key benefits include:
- Near-zero infection risk, since the needle does not pass through the rectum.
- Higher detection rates for anterior and apical prostate tumors.
- More comprehensive sampling, improving diagnostic reliability.
- Reduced need for prophylactic antibiotics compared to transrectal methods.
- Lower risk of sepsis, making it ideal for older or immunocompromised patients.
- Enhanced accuracy when combined with MRI-targeting or fusion technology.
Korean hospitals often use template-guided or fusion-guided systems to further increase precision.
Ideal Candidates
Transperineal biopsy is recommended for:
- Men with elevated PSA or abnormal PSA velocity
- Patients with suspicious lesions on MRI
- Individuals who previously had a negative transrectal biopsy
- Men at risk of infection, including those with diabetes or weakened immunity
- Patients who require anterior-zone sampling, which is difficult with transrectal biopsies
- Individuals looking for the safest biopsy option
Korea offers this method as a standard choice for international patients seeking highly safe and accurate diagnostics.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although complications are minimal, some potential side effects of transperineal biopsy include:
- Minor perineal discomfort
- Temporary blood in urine or semen
- Low risk of urinary retention
- Mild bruising at the biopsy site
- Rare temporary difficulty with urination
Korea’s use of sterile environments, precise imaging, and expert technique helps keep complication rates extremely low.
Techniques & Technology Used
Korean hospitals utilize advanced diagnostic technologies to optimize biopsy accuracy:
- Freehand transperineal biopsy with ultrasound guidance
- Template-guided biopsy (grid mapping method) for systematic sampling
- MRI–ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy to target specific lesions
- 3D mapping biopsy for extensive sampling in difficult cases
- High-resolution ultrasound for real-time visualization
- Sedation or local anesthesia for a comfortable experience
Using these tools, Korean urologists can sample exact tumor locations while minimizing pain and risk.
Treatment Process in Korea
The transperineal biopsy pathway in Korea is efficient and designed for international convenience:
- Comprehensive Consultation – Review of PSA, MRI, and medical history.
- Pre-Procedure Preparation – Basic blood and urine tests, anesthesia planning.
- Positioning & Local Anesthesia – Patients typically receive a perineal nerve block or light sedation.
- Ultrasound or MRI-Fusion Guidance – Real-time imaging aligns biopsy targets precisely.
- Biopsy Sampling Through the Perineum – Multiple cores are collected depending on MRI findings.
- Short Recovery Period – Patients rest briefly before being discharged the same day.
- Pathology Results – Usually available within 1–3 days.
International departments assist with scheduling, translation, and sending results via secure digital platforms.
Recovery & After-Care
Recovery from a transperineal prostate biopsy is usually fast and uncomplicated:
- Mild perineal soreness may last 1–2 days.
- Patients should drink plenty of water for 24–48 hours.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or sexual activity for two days.
- Small blood traces in urine or semen are normal for short periods.
- Follow-up consultation is recommended when pathology results arrive.
Korean hospitals provide thorough follow-up communication and remote consultations for international patients.
Results & Longevity
Transperineal biopsy results are highly reliable due to improved sampling accuracy. Reports include:
- Gleason score
- Grade Group
- Number of cores involved
- Percentage of cancer within each core
- Tumor location (anterior, apex, transitional zone, etc.)
These results guide further management, whether it involves active surveillance, focal therapy, robotic surgery, or radiation treatment.
Once a biopsy confirms findings, results remain valid long-term unless symptoms or PSA levels change.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is internationally recognized for excellence in urologic diagnostics due to:
- World-leading imaging and fusion biopsy technology
- Exceptionally low infection rates
- Highly trained urologists with extensive procedural experience
- Transparent pricing and fast scheduling
- English-speaking medical tourism services
- Safe hospital environments with advanced sterilization
Prostate cancer care in Korea is modern, efficient, and patient-centered, making it ideal for medical travelers seeking high-quality diagnostic services.
Cost Range
Typical costs for a transperineal prostate biopsy in Korea range from:
₩1,200,000 – ₩3,000,000 KRW
(approximately $900 – $2,300 USD)
Costs may vary depending on:
- Whether MRI-fusion targeting is used
- Number of biopsy samples
- Use of sedation or general anesthesia
- Hospital type (private vs. university hospital)
Additional fees may apply for MRI imaging, pathology analysis, consultations, and follow-up testing.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Seoul National University Hospital – Transperineal Biopsy Center
- Samsung Medical Center – Precision Urology Department
- Asan Medical Center – Prostate Diagnostic Unit
- Gangnam Severance Hospital – Transperineal Fusion Biopsy Program
- Korea University Anam Hospital – Template-Guided Mapping Biopsy
- JK Urology & Men’s Health Clinics – International Patient Services
