Our Summary

This research paper investigates the safety of a common method for diagnosing prostate cancer. This method is called transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy. Some have suggested that this method should be abandoned due to a high risk of infection. The researchers collected data from seven Australian centres that use this method. They looked at the number of patients readmitted to hospital due to infection, the number of patients admitted to intensive care with sepsis (a severe infection), and the number of patient deaths. The researchers found that the infection rate was very low, occurring in less than 1% of the over 12,000 biopsies performed. There were no patient deaths. The researchers conclude that this method is a safe way to diagnose prostate cancer. However, they recommend more studies to compare this method with other methods before deciding to abandon it due to concerns about infection.

FAQs

  1. What is the transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy method for diagnosing prostate cancer?
  2. What were the findings of the research regarding the risk of infection in using the transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy method?
  3. What are the recommendations of the researchers for future studies on this biopsy method?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient about prostate biopsy to make sure to follow any pre-biopsy instructions provided, such as taking antibiotics or not eating or drinking before the procedure. It is also important to inform the doctor of any medical conditions or allergies before the biopsy. After the biopsy, the patient should watch for signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or difficulty urinating, and contact their doctor if they experience any of these symptoms. Additionally, it is important to follow up with the doctor for the biopsy results and discuss any further steps or treatment options.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a prostate biopsy are those who have abnormal results from routine prostate cancer screening tests, such as a high PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level, abnormal digital rectal exam findings, or suspicious imaging results. Additionally, patients with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors for the disease may also be recommended for a biopsy. Overall, the decision to undergo a prostate biopsy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider based on individual risk factors and concerns.

Timeline

Before a prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, or pain in the pelvic area.
  2. Patient may undergo a digital rectal exam and blood tests to check for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
  3. Patient may be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the biopsy.
  4. Patient may receive instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, such as fasting or taking antibiotics.

After a prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience some discomfort or pain in the rectal area or when urinating.
  2. Patient may notice blood in the urine, semen, or bowel movements for a few days.
  3. Patient may be advised to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for a certain period of time.
  4. Patient may need to follow up with their doctor to discuss the biopsy results and next steps, such as further testing or treatment if cancer is detected.

Overall, the process of undergoing a prostate biopsy involves preparation, the procedure itself, and recovery, with the goal of diagnosing or ruling out prostate cancer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a prostate biopsy?
  2. How will the biopsy be performed and what can I expect during the procedure?
  3. Is there a risk of infection with a transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy?
  4. What steps will be taken to reduce the risk of infection during and after the biopsy?
  5. How will I be monitored for any signs of infection following the biopsy?
  6. What are the symptoms of infection that I should watch out for after the biopsy?
  7. What is the likelihood of experiencing complications such as sepsis or hospital readmission due to infection?
  8. What are the alternative methods for diagnosing prostate cancer and how do they compare in terms of safety and effectiveness?
  9. Are there any specific precautions I should take before or after the biopsy to reduce the risk of infection?
  10. How soon can I expect to receive the results of the biopsy and what follow-up care will be necessary depending on the results?

Reference

Authors: Parkin CJ, Gilbourd D, Grills R, Chapman S, Weinstein S, Joshi N, Indrajit B, Kam J, Smilovic T, Shepherd A, Gikenye N, Louie-Johnsun MW. Journal: World J Urol. 2022 Feb;40(2):453-458. doi: 10.1007/s00345-021-03862-8. Epub 2021 Oct 21. PMID: 34674018