Random Prostate biopsy

[Sevenomma]

I am trying to find the cost of random Proste biopsy. I cannot find it online. I dont want to use private hospital. Anyone did this or know the price in Government hospital in or near Pattaya?
 

[Sheryl]

"Random" prostate biopsies are now pretty much a thing of the past, you may have trouble finding anyone willing to do it, involves more excision sites so more bleeding risk, and less accurate.

 

And there is still  chance of missing a cancer even if one is present.

 

The standard these days is what is called an "MRI fusion" biopsy where both MRI and rectal ultrasound are used to pinpoint where to biopsy.  This is done under general anesthesia and involves at least 1 night stay in hospital (may be more if you have trouble urinating immediately afterwards). Currently some private hospitals in Bangkok are offering package of 120,000 baht, does not include the pre-op checks and consultation, and assumes just 1 night in hospital.  I would guess cost at government hospital to be about 1/2 to 1/3 that.

 

At a bare minimum (and less desirable/accurate) a  biopsy needs to be done with ultrasound guidance.

 

Performing a multi-parametric MRI beforehand, if you have nto already had one,  can often eliminate the need for biopsy. Of course, if it indicates biopsy is necessary, then cost will have been more, so a bit of a gamble but can be worth it if it prevents unnecessary biopsy, as it often does.

 

I do not think any government hospitals in Pattaya itself have the capacity to do this.  There is some chance -  but no guarantee- that  this could be done at the Burapha University Hospital in Bang Saen . They do have urologists, as shown in this schedule (open in chrome for English translation)

https://buh.buu.ac.th/doctors/schedule.php?dm_id=26

 

In addition, the larger university affiliated government hospitals in Bangkok (Siriraj, Chulalongkorn, Ramathibodhi) can do this.   You would start by consulting a urologist at one of these places. Siriraj levies a 20% surcharge on foreign patients, and is less conveniently located, so you might prefer one of the latter two. You can consult a senior urologist through the "after hours" clinic at Chula https://spcweb.kcmh.or.th/users/users/searchDoctor

Also possible to go through the public channel for the initial consultation but will take much longer (as in, multiple visits) , involve queuing at the break of dawn, and your interactions will be with doctors in training. May also be long wait lists. Consulting via the "Special clinic" does not preclude performing a procedure through the public channel.

 

Ramthibodhi (which excels in urology) also as an after hours clinic called the Premium Clinic but it seems not to have a urology section.  Could call and ask, though. https://www.rama.mahidol.ac.th/qsmc/th/service/premium_clinic-th

 

 

[scubascuba3]

Could try a Urologist at Queen Sirikit, I saw one at Pattaya International hospital who i think is head of Urology at QS, a golf friend saw the same man for bladder cancer at QS

[Sevenomma]

2 hours ago, Sheryl said:

"Random" prostate biopsies are now pretty much a thing of the past, you may have trouble finding anyone willing to do it, involves more excision sites so more bleeding risk, and less accurate.

 

And there is still  chance of missing a cancer even if one is present.

 

The standard these days is what is called an "MRI fusion" biopsy where both MRI and rectal ultrasound are used to pinpoint where to biopsy.  This is done under general anesthesia and involves at least 1 night stay in hospital (may be more if you have trouble urinating immediately afterwards). Currently some private hospitals in Bangkok are offering package of 120,000 baht, does not include the pre-op checks and consultation, and assumes just 1 night in hospital.  I would guess cost at government hospital to be about 1/2 to 1/3 that.

 

At a bare minimum (and less desirable/accurate) a  biopsy needs to be done with ultrasound guidance.

 

Performing a multi-parametric MRI beforehand, if you have nto already had one,  can often eliminate the need for biopsy. Of course, if it indicates biopsy is necessary, then cost will have been more, so a bit of a gamble but can be worth it if it prevents unnecessary biopsy, as it often does.

 

I do not think any government hospitals in Pattaya itself have the capacity to do this.  There is some chance -  but no guarantee- that  this could be done at the Burapha University Hospital in Bang Saen . They do have urologists, as shown in this schedule (open in chrome for English translation)

https://buh.buu.ac.th/doctors/schedule.php?dm_id=26

 

In addition, the larger university affiliated government hospitals in Bangkok (Siriraj, Chulalongkorn, Ramathibodhi) can do this.   You would start by consulting a urologist at one of these places. Siriraj levies a 20% surcharge on foreign patients, and is less conveniently located, so you might prefer one of the latter two. You can consult a senior urologist through the "after hours" clinic at Chula https://spcweb.kcmh.or.th/users/users/searchDoctor

Also possible to go through the public channel for the initial consultation but will take much longer (as in, multiple visits) , involve queuing at the break of dawn, and your interactions will be with doctors in training. May also be long wait lists. Consulting via the "Special clinic" does not preclude performing a procedure through the public channel.

 

Ramthibodhi (which excels in urology) also as an after hours clinic called the Premium Clinic but it seems not to have a urology section.  Could call and ask, though. https://www.rama.mahidol.ac.th/qsmc/th/service/premium_clinic-th

 

 

 

[Sevenomma]

I asked for Random prostate biopsy. I know there are other ways to do this. Banglamung can do this. I took PSA some days ago and I was so surprised when the doctor told me about my PSA level so I dont remember what he said about cost. He recommended Biopsy and gave me choices. I have appintment in february and try to learn about transperineum biopsy, MRI and so on. So I still have time to choose random or targeted biopsy. 

[Sevenomma]

Queen Sirikit is a good tip. Thanks a lot 🙂

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, Sevenomma said:

I asked for Random prostate biopsy. I know there are other ways to do this. Banglamung can do this. I took PSA some days ago and I was so surprised when the doctor told me about my PSA level so I dont remember what he said about cost. He recommended Biopsy and gave me choices. I have appintment in february and try to learn about transperineum biopsy, MRI and so on. So I still have time to choose random or targeted biopsy. 

 

 

Biopsy is NOT usually indicated based on PSA alone. I don't think you were well advised.

 

What exactly was your PSA? And did doctor perform a digital rectal exam?

 

A parametric MRI might preclude the need for biopsy. But Banglamung is nto the place for this. Nor the place to have any sort of biopsy, even if they offer to do it. It is a fine hospital for many things but not something this specialized, you need an experienced senior doctor.

 

Strongly urge you to consult senior urologist at Burapha.

[CM4Me]

From my own experience, I think Sheryl is providing excellent advice

[sidjameson]

Yes, take her advice.

I did hundreds of hours of online research and everything she says is spot on.