Should high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia change our approach to infravesical obstruction?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether coexistence of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HPIN) should change our therapeutic approach to infravesical obstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of 505 patients who underwent sextant transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy, 65 (12.8%) had HPIN and 29 of them underwent prostatectomy (23 transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), 6 open) due to obstructive urinary symptoms. Patients without carcinoma were followed up with semiannual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination. After a follow-up of 24.8 +/- 11.0 months, 19 of 29 patients who accepted our call had another sextant biopsy. RESULTS: Mean age and initial mean PSA values of 29 patients were 67.6 +/- 6.7 years and 9.26 +/- 5.91 ng/ml, respectively. The final pathological evaluation of the surgical specimens revealed 2 prostatic adenocarcinomas both in the TURP group. The remaining 27 (93.2%) patients were found to have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and their serum PSA levels declined from 9.26 +/- 5.91 to 4.59 +/- 2.0 ng/ml 3 months after prostatectomy. Of the 19 patients who had another biopsy with a mean PSA value of 4.06 +/- 4.61 ng/ml, 15 and 4 of them had BPH and HPIN respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data indicate that the presence of HPIN on TRUS-guided biopsies is not a factor to delay an indicated surgical intervention for infravesical obstruction.     

USEFULNESS OF DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION, SERUM PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN, TRANSRECTAL ULTRAS ONOGRAPHY AND SYSTEMATIC PROSTATE BIOPSY FOR THE DETECTION OF ORGAN-CONFINED PROSTATE CANCER

The detection rate of organ-confined prostate cancer by digital rectal examination (DRE), serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) of the prostate, as well as the value of a directed, guided transrectal core biopsy for the prostate (TRUS-guided biopsy) combined with systematic biopsy, were evaluated. The subjects were 171 patients with urinary symptoms suggestive of prostatic disease excluding those with clinical stage C and D prostate cancer. Twenty-five patients (14.6%) had prostate cancer, 127 (74.2%) had benign prostate hypertrophy, four (2.3%) had prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, eleven (6.4%) had inflammation, and four (2.3%) had normal prostate tissue. The incidence of detection of hypoechoic findings by TRUS in the patients in whom nodules were detected by DRE or who had elevated serum PSA was higher than that in patients with negative diagnostic findings. In 22 of the 25 patients with prostate cancer, the cancer was detected by recognition of a hypoechoic area on TRUS. In 10 of these 22 patients, prostate cancer was also detected by systematic biopsy in isoechoic areas. Prostate cancer was detected by systematic biopsy in three patients without hypoechoic findings. The positive predictive value for patients with abnormal findings on all three tests was 64.3%, which is significantly higher than that for patients with any other combination of findings (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that the combination of DRE, serum PSA and TRUS is useful for the detection of organ-confined prostate cancer, and that TRUS and TRUS-guided prostate biopsy combined with systematic biopsy should be performed in patients with abnormal findings for both DRE and PSA. Our results also demonstrate that systematic biopsy is useful for the detention of prostate cancer from the isoechoic area visualized by TRUS.     

Does pericapsular lignocaine reduce pain during transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsy of the prostate?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether injection with pericapsular lignocaine before transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsy reduces the perceived pain of prostatic biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 121 patients referred for TRUS-guided biopsy of the prostate; 27 underwent biopsy with no previous injection and 94 were randomized to pericapsular injection with either 1% lignocaine or a placebo (saline). Both patient and operator were unaware of the content of the injection. The injection was delivered under TRUS guidance to the apex of the prostate. Routine sextant biopsies were taken using an 18 G needle in a spring-loaded biopsy gun. A validated pain scale, the NRS11 (0, no pain, to 10, unbearable pain), was used to record the pain of each biopsy. RESULTS: No significant placebo effect was detected between the 'no injection' and the placebo-injection group, with mean (95% confidence interval) pain scores of 3.58 (2.77-4.39) and 4.01 (3.46-4.51), respectively, using the unpaired Student's t-test (P = 0.409). There was a statistically significant lower mean pain score in the lignocaine group, at 2.54 (2.00-3.10), than in the placebo-injection group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pericapsular injection with 1% lignocaine significantly reduces the perceived pain of TRUS-guided prostatic biopsy.     

Hypoechoic versus hypervascular lesion in the diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma

Objective

The goal of this study was to get a better understanding the role of Power Doppler (PDUS) and conventional Gray Scale transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in targeting prostatic biopsy in men with high prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

Predictors of prostate cancer on repeat transrectal ultrasound-guided systematic prostate biopsy

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the outcome of repeated transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided systematic prostate biopsy in Japanese men whose clinical findings were suspected of prostate cancer after previous negative biopsies. METHODS: Between January 1993 and March 2002, 1045 patients underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. Among them, 104 patients underwent repeat biopsy due to indications of persistent elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) or TRUS, increased PSA velocity, and/or previous suspicious biopsy findings. Several clinicopathological factors were evaluated for their ability to predict the detection of prostate cancer on repeat biopsy. RESULTS: Prostate cancer was detected in 22 of 104 patients (21.2%) who underwent repeat biopsies. PSA concentration and PSA density at both the initial and repeat biopsies, and PSA velocity in men with positive repeat biopsy were significantly greater than those in men with negative repeat biopsy. The incidence of abnormal findings in DRE and TRUS at initial biopsy in men with positive repeat biopsy was also significantly higher than that in men with negative repeat biopsy. However, neither the presence of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia nor number of biopsy cores at initial biopsy had a significant association with the results of the repeat biopsy. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that PSA and PSA density at both the initial and repeat biopsies, PSA velocity, and DRE and TRUS findings at initial biopsy were independent predictors of malignant disease on repeat biopsy. CONCLUSION: Despite an initial negative biopsy, repeat TRUS-guided biopsy should be carried out to exclude prostate cancer in cases of suspicious clinical findings, such as elevated PSA or PSA-related parameters, or abnormal findings of DRE or TRUS.     

Evaluation of transrectal power-Doppler ultrasonography and effect of contrast-enhancement for detecting prostate cancer

PURPOSE: There are many reports about the usefulness of transrectal power-Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) for detecting prostate cancer because of the high microvessel density in cancerous tissue in the prostate. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of PDUS and contrast-enhanced transrectal power-Doppler ultrasonography (enhanced PDUS) in the identification of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred forty-two cases (90 cases without enhancement, 52 cases with enhancement) of suspected prostate cancer found with digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) abnormal or prostate specific antigen (PSA) elevation were evaluated by PDUS and enhanced PDUS. RESULTS: Forty-three (30.3%) cases of cancer were detected, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between PDUS group (22 cases, 24.4%) and enhanced PDUS (21 cases, 40.0%). However, there were no significant statistical results about the usefulness of enhancement to detect prostate cancer although imaging was clear with contrast agent. The results of statistical analysis of PDUS use were almost the same as for PSA of more than 10.1 ng/ml. Combination with PDUS was very helpful to detect prostate cancers. The positive predictive value of the combination with DRE, TRUS and PSA improved from 68.0% to 81.0% with the addition of PDUS. In particular, cancer was revealed frequently (65.8%) in peripheral hypoechoic lesions on gray-scale TRUS with hypervascular areas on PDUS. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that enhancement with contrast agent is not especially useful in the identification of prostate cancer although imaging was clear with contrast agent. However, PDUS is useful especially for hypoechoic peripheral areas. It is suggested that we should add PDUS to DRE, TRUS and PSA examinations.     

9+X法直肠超声引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检420例分析

目的:探讨9+X法经直肠超声引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检术诊断前列腺癌的临床价值及安全性。方法:回顾性分析2004年1月至2008年12月行9+X法经直肠超声引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检术的可疑前列腺癌患者420例临床资料。结果:穿刺确诊前列腺癌160例(阳性率38.1%)。PSA<4μg/L、4～10μg/L、>10μg/L、直肠指检(DRE)异常、经直肠或经腹部超声检查有异常者阳性率分别为7.4%、17.8%、65.4%、25.0%、22.2%。穿刺术后79例出现血尿(18.8%),急性尿潴留13例(3.1%),发热9例(2.1%),无其他严重并发症。结论:9+X法经直肠超声引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺阳性率高,并发症少,是诊断前列腺癌的理想方法。     

Prediction of prostate volume based on total and free serum prostate-specific antigen: is it reliable?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the utility of total/free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and age as predictors of the prostate volume in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and no evidence of prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Total and free serum PSA were determined in 681 patients with normal digital rectal examination and symptomatic BPH using the Hybritech method. Prostate volume was measured by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). TRUS-guided biopsy was performed in 459 (67.4%) of the patients with a serum PSA >4.0 ng/ml. RESULTS: The relationship with prostate volume was best described in a log linear fashion by free PSA (R(2) = 0.367), total PSA (R(2) = 0.264) and age (R(2) = 0.017). Multiple linear regression demonstrates no significant influence of age. Free PSA was able to predict the individual TRUS prostate volume +/-10% in 67% of the patients and +/-20% in 91.2% and total PSA in 63 and 90. 9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Prostate volume is strongly related with free and total PSA. Both determinations would be able to predict the TRUS prostate volume +/-20% in more than 90% of the patients.     

Clinical evaluation of transrectal power Doppler imaging in the detection of prostate cancer

To evaluate the clinical usefulness of power Doppler imaging (PDI), we compared this method to gray-scale transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in the detection of prostate cancer. A total of 101 men with abnormally high serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and/or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) findings were assessed using TRUS and PDI. Random systematic sextant and bilateral far lateral prostate biopsies were performed in all cases. In addition, when TRUS revealed a hypoechoic lesion or PDI revealed a hypervascular lesion (HVL), these lesions were directly biopsied. Of the 101 patients, 48 (47.5%), 42 (41.5%) and 42 (41.5%) were suspicious of having prostate cancer by DRE, TRUS and PDI, respectively. Prostate needle biopsy revealed prostate cancer in 39 patients (38.6%) and benign prostatic diseases in 62 patients (61.4%). If prostate needle biopsy was avoided when PDI was negative, then PDI eliminated the need for biopsy in 59 of the 101 patients (rate of biopsy procedures saved: 58.4%) and missed only 8 (13.6%) prostate cancers. Moreover, in 63 patients with intermediate PSA (3-10 ng/ml), the rate of biopsy procedures saved by DRE, TRUS, and PDI was 60.3%, 65.1%, and 68.3%, respectively, and the rate of cancers missed was 26.3%, 19.5%, and 14.0%, respectively. In a total of 826 specimens of TRUS-guided prostate biopsy, 126 (15.3%) specimens had adenocarcinoma. Site by site based analysis of the present series revealed 34.1% of prostate cancer sites were isoechoic and hypervascular. On a site by site basis, PDI had better sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value than TRUS. In 48 patients without abnormal DRE findings, on a site by site basis, the sensitivities of TRUS and PDI were 22.9% and 34.4%, respectively. Gleason score was associated with a positive rate of PDI on both a patient basis and site by site basis. From these results, on a patient basis, we conclude that PDI was helpful in the indication for prostate biopsy for all patients or patients with intermediate PSA level. On a site by site basis, PDI may be able to select prostate cancer sites at biopsy, in particular in patients without abnormal DRE findings.     

Lidocaine-prilocaine administration during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostatic biopsy: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As many as 96% of patients report some kind of discomfort/pain during transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy, and when pain is severe, it may be necessary to decrease the planned number of biopsies or interrupt the procedure. Various modalities have been recommended to alleviate the pain, but reports on efficacy are contradictory. We assessed the possible benefit of intrarectal and perianal lidocaine-prilocaine (EMLA) cream. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 98 patients without active anal and prostatic conditions underwent TRUS and, 10 to 31 days later, TRUS-guided biopsy. They were asked to grade their discomfort/pain using a 10- point linear visual analog pain scale (VAS). After TRUS, patients were divided into three groups on the basis of the VAS scores. Group 1 (N = 8) had pain scores or=5 (severe pain/discomfort). Each group was then randomized to receive local anesthesia with intrarectal and anal EMLA cream (subgroup A) or intrarectal and anal ultrasound gel as placebo (subgroup B). Pain scoring was repeated after the biopsy. RESULTS: In group 1, there were no significant differences in pain scores between subgroups A and B. In group 2, we could not complete the biopsy in one patient of subgroup B. A statistically significant difference was noticed between the VAS scores of subgroup A and subgroup B (P < 0.0001). In group 3, we were not able to complete biopsy in 5 patients of subgroup B. We noticed significantly higher VAS scores in subgroup B between TRUS and prostate biopsy (P < 0.0001), whereas similar scores were observed in subgroup A (P = NS). A statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) was noticed between subgroup A and subgroup B scores during biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with high tolerance for simple TRUS, needle trauma does not significantly alter tolerability, and anesthetic provides little benefit for prostatic biopsy. However, the opposite is true in patients presenting moderate to significant pain/discomfort at TRUS, who may benefit from intrarectal/anal administration of EMLA during prostate biopsy.     

Transrectal power Doppler imaging in the detection of prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical utility of transrectal power Doppler imaging (PDI) of the prostate for detecting prostate cancer in patients with abnormally high serum levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (107) with abnormally high serum PSA levels were assessed using a digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and PDI. Any hypervascular lesion on PDI was graded on a scale of 0-3, where grade 1-3 was considered positive and grade 0 negative. Patients were then diagnosed by prostatic needle biopsy and the results compared with the other detection methods. RESULTS: Needle biopsy confirmed prostate cancer in 41 (24%) of the 170 patients. PDI was positive in 68, of whom 40 (59%) had prostate cancer; all those but one having prostate cancer were positive on PDI. Thus, PDI had a high sensitivity of 98% (40/41) and a negative predictive value of 99% (101/102). PDI could have saved a significant number of patients from undergoing unnecessary biopsies, compared with DRE and TRUS (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of PDI in detecting prostate cancer might reduce the number of unnecessary needle biopsies of the prostate in patients with abnormally high serum PSA levels.     

经直肠超声引导下前列腺穿刺活检540例临床分析

目的评价经直肠超声引导下前列腺穿刺活检诊断前列腺癌（PCa）的临床应用价值,提高PCa的诊治水平。方法回顾性分析血PSA升高和（或）直肠指检前列腺结节及超声检查有异常的540例患者经直肠超声引导下前列腺穿刺活检的临床资料和声像图表现。其中直肠指诊异常者248例;超声显示有异常回声结节者178例,145例为低回声,占81.4％,42例在声像图上未发现异常;380例PSA〉10μg／L。结果540例活检中PCa220例,阳性率为40．7％,前列腺肉瘤4例,前列腺增生症269例,前列腺增生症并上皮内瘤（PIN）35例,前列腺炎9例,前列腺结核2例,非典型增生1例。结论经直肠超声引导下前列腺穿刺活检是诊断PCa的一种安全有效的检查方法。     

Elevated serum prostate specific antigen levels in conjunction with an initial prostatic biopsy negative for carcinoma: who should undergo a repeat biopsy?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of repeated prostatic biopsies in men attending with suspected prostate cancer but an initial negative biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who had undergone two or more transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsies were identified from the Hospital Information Support System database. Indications for TRUS were a raised prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level (>4.0 ng/mL), with or without an abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE). Sextant prostate biopsies plus biopsies of any suspicious hypoechoic area or area of DRE abnormality were obtained for histology. Forty-eight patients underwent repeat TRUS-guided prostatic biopsies (mean age 67.5, sd 7. 25, range 53-82 years). RESULTS: The mean (sd, median, range) PSA level was 16.9 (13.5, 11.6, 5.2-61.8) ng/mL. Fifteen patients (31%) had carcinoma on repeat biopsy, 11 after the second and four after a third biopsy. The positive repeat biopsy rate was 24% where the PSA level was 4.0-9.9 ng/mL, 33% if the level was 10.0-19.9 ng/mL and 39% if it was >/=20.0 ng/mL. There was no significant difference in age or initial PSA concentration between those men with positive and those with negative repeat biopsies. However, patients with cancer had significantly higher PSA levels before repeat biopsy than at first biopsy (P=0.0043) and had greater PSA velocities than had patients with no diagnosis of cancer (P=0.0067). CONCLUSION: Where sufficient clinical suspicion exists, despite an initial negative biopsy, repeat TRUS-guided prostate biopsies should be carried out to exclude carcinoma of the prostate.     

Diagnostic efficacy of transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostatic fossa in patients with rising PSA following radical prostatectomy

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy of the prostatic fossa in men with biochemical relapse following radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP). Thirty patients, with detectable prostate specific antigen (PSA) and negative imaging for metastases after RP, were evaluated for local recurrence. All patients underwent TRUS-guided biopsies of the prostatic fossa, with at least six cores obtained. PSA and digital rectal examination (DRE) were correlated with biopsy results. Twelve patients (40%) were found with local recurrence. Sensitivities of TRUS and DRE were 75 and 50%, while specificities were 83 and 100%, respectively. Local recurrence was detected in 25% of the patients with PSA ≤ 1 ng/ml, and higher PSA levels were correlated with an increased positive biopsy rate. All patients with positive DRE had positive biopsy and positive TRUS as well. When both TRUS and DRE were positive it was more likely for the patient to have positive biopsy than when both TRUS and DRE were negative. TRUS-guided biopsy is an efficient tool in detecting local recurrence after RP and should be offered to all patients with biochemical relapse and absence of metastatic disease irrespective of the level of PSA.     

Magnetic resonance imaging-directed transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsies in patients at risk of prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether using endorectal-coil magnetic resonance imaging (erMRI) before transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsies of the prostate increases the yield of cancer in a high-risk population, and in a subset analysis to compare the yield with high-field (3 T) vs lower field (1.5 T) MRI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2003 and November 2005, 26 consecutive patients had erMRI before their TRUS biopsy of the prostate (median age 62 years, range 32-76). The median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 8.40 (2.1-85.9) ng/mL. All patients had at least one previous negative prostate biopsy (median 3, range 1-12). Twenty-three patients had at least one risk factor for prostate cancer (family history, high PSA velocity, low percentage of free PSA, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation on previous biopsy). MRI studies consisted of T2-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging studies. RESULTS: There was a close correlation between T2-weighted and DCE images (85% agreement, P<0.001). Neither T2-weighted nor DCE imaging correlated with a higher yield for cancer on final biopsy (T2, positive predictive value, PPV, 20%, negative PV, NPV, 14%, P=0.21; DCE, PPV 21%, NPV 15%, P=0.26). Combining the two methods did not improve the cancer yield. There was no significant difference in the probability of cancer based on 1.5 T or 3 T imaging (17% vs 16%, P=0.88). CONCLUSION: Although erMRI before TRUS-guided biopsies tended to give higher cancer yields the difference was not statistically significant. Reasons for this might include suboptimal localisation of the MRI findings and the biopsy location. Better methods for fusing MRI and TRUS images are presently being developed at our institution to allow more accurate targeting.     

Volume determinations by transrectal ultrasonography in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: Correlation with removed prostate weight

Estimation of prostate gland volume with transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) provides important information in the evaluation of benign and malignant prostate disease. We evaluated 119 patients with clinically benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by TRUS. Sixty-eight of these underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P), and 51 patients underwent open prostatectomy. In both groups the estimated weight correlated well with the removed prostatic weight (r=0.643, p<0.0001 in TUR-P and r=0.729, p<0.0001 in open prostatectomy). We found that TRUS is a valuable method for estimation of prostatic volume in patients with BPH.     

Transition Zone Ratio and Prostate-Specific Antigen Density: The Index of Response of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy to an Alpha Blocker

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine whether the indices of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) are related to the clinical response to tamsulosin, a long-acting selectiveα₁-blocker.
Methods: Sixty patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) were treated with tamsulosin hydrochloride (0.2mg/day) for 2 months. The findings on TRUS and uroflowmetry and the AUA symptom score before treatment were compared with those obtained at the end of the 2 month treatment period. For the indices of TRUS, transition zone (TZ) volume, transition zone ratio (TZ ratio = TZ volume/total prostate volume), total prostate volume, and prostate specific antigen density (PSAD) were calculated.
Results: There was a significant correlation between the pretreatment TZ ratio and the residual urine volume ( r = 0.421, P = 0.0005). Patients with a lower TZ ratio and/or PSAD responded well to the treatment. The correlation between the PSAD value and the percent change in peak urinary flow rate was statistically significant ( r = -0.432, P = 0.0009).
Conclusion: TRUS provides simple parameters of PSAD that can be used to predict the response of patients to tamsulosin hydrochloride.     

A randomized controlled trial of topical glyceryl trinitrate before transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsy of the prostate

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) ointment as an adjunct to periprostatic nerve block in reducing pain associated with transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostatic biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 148 consecutive patients (mean age 67.0 years) having their first TRUS-guided biopsy were randomized to receive either 0.2% GTN ointment or placebo 10 min before biopsy. All patients had a biopsy preceded by an injection with 10 mL of 1% lidocaine local anaesthesia. A 10-point visual analogue score was used to record 'Overall discomfort due to the presence of the probe', the biopsy itself and pain after the procedure. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age, PSA level and prostate volume between the groups. There was a significantly lower mean pain score due to probe insertion in the GTN than placebo group (1.94 vs 3.24, P < 0.01); pain perception was lower for the whole procedure in the GTN group, and was most pronounced in men aged <60 years (2.13 vs 4.61, P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Topical GTN ointment is safe and effective in reducing the discomfort associated with TRUS-guided biopsy of the prostate, in particular the insertion of the ultrasound probe. It might be of maximum benefit in the younger patient and those having a repeat biopsy who previously failed to tolerate the procedure well.     

Resistance index in benign prostatic hyperplasia using power doppler imaging and clinical outcomes after transurethral vaporization of the prostate

BACKGROUND: Using power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS), we investigate the change of resistance index (RI) before and after transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. METHODS: In all, 49 patients underwent transrectal PDUS before receiving TUVP, three were excluded because of cancer and three could not be followed up. The remaining 43 were enrolled in the present study. Patients were assessed before and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, giving a mean duration of follow-up of 9.1 months. International prostate symptom scores (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) scores, postvoiding residual urine volumes (PVR) and maximum urinary flow rates (Qmax) were evaluated and total prostatic volume (TPV) and RI were measured using PDUS. RESULTS: Resistance index ranged from 0.64 to 0.91. The postoperative parameters except for RI, such as TPV, PVR, IPSS and QOL scores improved significantly at the follow-up assessment after surgery. The elevated RI decreased significantly 1, 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Resistance index significantly decreased after TUVP and IPSS and other urodymamics parameters improved. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that RI could evaluate the severity of BPH and the degree of intraprostatic pressure or bladder outlet obstruction.     

Patients' tolerance of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostatic biopsy: an audit of 104 cases

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and severity of complications following transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guided prostatic biopsy, and of pain during the procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 129 men undergoing TRUS-guided prostatic biopsy who were asked to complete a questionnaire about pain and complications one week after biopsy. RESULTS: Of the 104 men who completed the questionnaire, 24% found the procedure moderately to extremely painful and 19% felt that they had had significant complications afterward, the commonest of these being painful or difficult voiding (13%) and haematuria (11%). Systemic symptoms of fever or 'sweats' occurred in 6%, with a diagnosis of septicaemia in three men, despite antibiotic prophylaxis. However, acute urinary retention occurred in only one man. Of all patients, 20% saw their general practitioner within a week, all of whom were prescribed antibiotics in addition to those given prophylactically in hospital. CONCLUSION: TRUS-guided biopsy is often a painful experience for patients and is commonly associated with complications, particularly voiding difficulties. Of particular concern were the three patients with septicaemia, and that one in five men felt sufficiently unwell to visit their doctor within a week of the procedure.