Lawrenceville & Braselton · Prostate Cancer

Transperineal vs transrectal prostate biopsy: what is the difference?

By Advanced Urology · Nov 10, 2026

What's the short answer?

Both take small samples of the prostate.

In a transrectal biopsy, the needle passes through the rectum wall.

In a transperineal biopsy, it passes through the skin behind the scrotum, which is linked to a lower infection risk and samples the front of the prostate well.

Our urologists do the transperineal approach with MRI targeting, under anesthesia in our surgery centers.

Told you need a biopsy?

Book time with us to go over what to expect.

What are Barrow County visits like?

Winder, Auburn and Statham readers who want an appointment come to Old Winder Highway in Braselton. Procedures are scheduled on Crown Pointe Way in Lawrenceville.

How are Winder-area patients treated?

For prostate cancer questions, Barrow County men can expect each test explained, from transperineal biopsy to MRI and PSMA PET/CT, along with a plain discussion of surveillance, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and recovery.

What do Barrow County patients bring?

Barrow County patients can bring a short symptom history, medicine list, insurance card and any prior lab or imaging results. If treatment already happened elsewhere, the paperwork from it helps our urologists.

When should Barrow patients call?

Call (678) 344-8900 if anything changes or if you have questions after reading this. Our Braselton team is glad to set up a visit for Barrow County patients.

What else do Barrow County patients ask?

What else do patients ask?

What happens if my Barrow County PSA comes back high?

Our urologists repeat or review the test, look at your trend and explain if an MRI or biopsy makes sense. Nothing is decided at the first visit without your questions answered.

Can I get help with stones from Barrow County?

Yes. Auburn and Winder patients get their stone scans in Braselton; if a stone needs breaking up, that is booked on Crown Pointe Way.

How do I book from Winder?

Call (678) 344-8900 or use online booking, and choose Braselton as your office.

Prefer to watch?

Video thumbnail: #020 - Decoding PSMA PET / CT for Prostate Cancer (Advanced Urology YouTube channel)

Watch on YouTube: #020 - Decoding PSMA PET / CT for Prostate Cancer

What the video covers: An episode of our podcast explaining the PSMA PET/CT scan, an imaging test used to look for prostate cancer in the body.

These open on Advanced Urology's YouTube channel.

How do I book a visit?

Our Braselton team is glad to welcome Barrow County families for this visit.

Schedule your visit with Advanced Urology for Barrow County, with locations across metro Atlanta. (678) 344-8900 Book online