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endorectal ultrasound

(en-doh-REK-tul UL-truh-sownd)
A procedure in which a probe that sends out high-energy sound waves is inserted into the rectum. The sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissue called a sonogram. Endorectal ultrasound is used to look for abnormalities in the rectum and nearby structures, including the prostate. Also called ERUS, transrectal ultrasound, and TRUS.
Transrectal ultrasound; drawing shows a side view of the male reproductive and urinary system anatomy, including the bladder and prostate. Also shown is the rectum and anus. There is also an ultrasound probe inserted into the rectum to check the prostate. An inset shows a provider inserting the ultrasound probe into the patient's rectum while viewing an image of the ultrasound on a computer screen. The patient is lying on their back on a table.Enlarge this image in new window
Transrectal ultrasound. An ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to check the prostate. The probe bounces sound waves off body tissues to make echoes that form a sonogram (computer picture) of the prostate.
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