Our Summary

This research paper studied the risk of infection after two different types of prostate biopsies - one standard and one using MRI guidance. The study looked at over 5,000 biopsy cases and found that positive urine cultures, a sign of infection, were more common after the standard biopsy than the MRI-guided one. The same was true for other signs of infection, such as high white blood cell counts in the urine and high levels of a protein associated with inflammation. However, the rate of positive blood cultures, another sign of infection, was about the same for both types of biopsies. The study concluded that while serious infections were rare for both procedures, the standard biopsy had a higher overall risk of infection than the MRI-guided one.

FAQs

  1. What types of prostate biopsies were compared in this research study?
  2. Did the study find any differences in the risk of infection between the two types of prostate biopsies?
  3. Were serious infections common after both types of prostate biopsies according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might give a patient about prostate biopsy is to discuss the risks and benefits of different biopsy methods, such as standard biopsy versus MRI-guided biopsy. It is important to understand that while both procedures carry a risk of infection, the MRI-guided biopsy may have a lower risk compared to the standard biopsy. Patients should also be aware of the signs of infection to watch for after the procedure, such as fever, pain, or difficulty urinating, and should contact their doctor if they experience any of these symptoms.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a prostate biopsy include those with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, abnormal digital rectal exam findings, or other symptoms suggestive of prostate cancer. Additionally, patients with a family history of prostate cancer or certain genetic mutations may also be recommended for a biopsy. It is important for patients to discuss their individual risk factors and symptoms with their healthcare provider to determine if a prostate biopsy is warranted.

Timeline

Before the prostate biopsy:

  1. The patient will undergo a physical examination by a healthcare provider to assess their prostate health.
  2. The patient may undergo blood tests to check for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which can indicate prostate cancer.
  3. The patient may undergo imaging tests, such as MRI or ultrasound, to identify areas of concern in the prostate.
  4. The patient may be prescribed antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection during the biopsy procedure.

During the prostate biopsy:

  1. The patient will be positioned on their side or back, and a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area around the prostate.
  2. A thin needle will be inserted through the rectum or perineum to collect tissue samples from the prostate.
  3. The procedure may cause discomfort or pressure, but should not be painful.
  4. The tissue samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis to check for cancer cells.

After the prostate biopsy:

  1. The patient may experience mild discomfort or pain in the rectal area or when urinating for a few days after the procedure.
  2. The patient may notice blood in their urine or semen, which is normal and should resolve within a few days.
  3. The patient may be advised to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for a few days to allow the prostate to heal.
  4. The patient will follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results of the biopsy and determine the next steps in their treatment plan.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a prostate biopsy?
  2. How does the risk of infection compare between a standard prostate biopsy and an MRI-guided biopsy?
  3. What steps will be taken to minimize the risk of infection during and after the biopsy procedure?
  4. What symptoms should I watch for after the biopsy that may indicate an infection?
  5. How will the results of the biopsy be communicated to me, and what follow-up care may be needed?
  6. Are there any specific precautions I should take before or after the biopsy to reduce the risk of infection?
  7. Can you explain the differences in technique between a standard prostate biopsy and an MRI-guided biopsy, and how this may affect the risk of infection?
  8. Are there any alternative options to a biopsy that may be less invasive and carry a lower risk of infection?
  9. What is the overall likelihood of experiencing a serious infection following a prostate biopsy, based on current research and medical guidelines?
  10. Are there any specific factors about my health or medical history that may increase my risk of infection during a prostate biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Kalalahti I, Huotari K, Erickson AM, Petas A, Vasarainen H, Rannikko A. Journal: World J Urol. 2022 Sep;40(9):2261-2265. doi: 10.1007/s00345-022-04104-1. Epub 2022 Aug 5. PMID: 35930069