Ultrasound of the prostate--applications and indications

Endorectal prostate ultrasound has become a clinically useful application. This paper describes the necessary understanding of the newer concepts of anatomy, origins of disease and indications for prostate ultrasound. These indications include: (1) an abnormal digital rectal examination, (2) biopsy guidance, (3) evaluation of the patient with known prostate cancer, (4) follow-up of patients with prostate cancer, (5) certain cases of infertility, (6) prostatic inflammation, (7) voiding studies, and (8) evaluation of prostate in selected patients without previously suspected pathology.