You have been booked for an MRI scan of your prostate. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test used to diagnose medical conditions.

MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of internal body structures. MRI does not use radiation (x-rays).

If you have questions about the procedure itself, please call us to speak with our Radiologist.

Why am I having this procedure?

• Raised PSA levels

• Enlarged prostate

• Infection

• Complications post-surgery
  

How do I prepare for this examination?

Contraindications or Cautions

It is very important you let us know PRIOR to the procedure if you have any of the following:

• Pacemaker (This means we are unable to scan you at Absolute Radiology)

• Other cardiac surgery i.e stents, valves etc are safe to scan but please inform us of these in advance of your appointment

• Any allergies

• Type 1 diabetes, or if you take insulin

• Overactive thyroid gland

• Kidney or renal function issues
  

Prior to the procedure

Make sure you understand why you are having this procedure.  If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us for information and advice prior to your appointment.

• Do not eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the procedure

• Please remove all jewellery and piercings PRIOR to coming for your scan

• Be aware this procedure may take up to 1 hour
  

On the day of your procedure

You will be asked to arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time. It is important to adhere to this arrival time as we need time to prep you for the procedure. During this time we will:

• Ask you to fill in safety forms that will be checked with a nurse or radiographer

• Explain the use of Buscopan and contrast agent that will be given

• Ask you to change into a gown

• Put in an IV cannula (IV line)
  

During your procedure

You will be asked to lie on your back and a piece of equipment will be placed over your pelvic area. This helps us to get images from the region of interest and sends signals back to the MRI scanner.

It is important that you stay perfectly still during the procedure.

There will be a series of approximately 6 sequences of scans during the procedure – each one lasting around 3 minutes.

Post procedure

We will remove the cannula and you will be able to use the bathroom and change into your own clothes. You can now eat and drink normally. We do recommend drinking water to help flush the contrast agent out of your system.

Sedation Info

If you require sedation for this procedure you will need to discuss this in advance with your GP. If this is required they can provide you with a prescription for a sedative to collect from your chemist. You will need to bring this prescription with you to your appointment and to have advised us in advance that you require sedation as additional monitoring of will be required prior to your procedure and after your procedure.

You will also require someone to drive you home, and stay with you for the next 24 hours

Side effects of some sedation medications can last for up to 24 hours following administration.

You may not remember some of the information discussed, this is a normal side effect.

For the next 24 hours you should not;

• Drive or operate any vehicles or machinery

• Drink alcohol

• Make any important decisions,

• Sign any legal documents

• Travel unaccompanied

If you have any questions prior to your appointment, please call us to speak to our nurse.