The accuracy of transrectal aspiration biopsy of the prostate: an analysis of 452 cases

This study compares cytological findings obtained by transrectal aspiration biopsy of the prostate with histological findings obtained by simultaneously performed transperineal punch biopsy. All interventions were performed on outpatients. Complications such as hematuria, urinary infection, or epididymitis occurred in 4.4% of the cases, the majority of them being attributed to punch biopsies. Exact correspondence was found in 78.8% of 433 usable specimens, the accuracy for carcinoma amounting to 71.1%. Specimens cytologically judged either false "negative" or "suspicious" were histologically mostly well-differentiated (G1 and G2) carcinomas (96.1%). The value of fine needle biopsy of the prostate as nonstaining diagnostic procedure will be discussed.     

Incidence of needle‐tract seeding following prostate biopsy for suspected cancer: a review of the literature

With the widespread clinical use of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), biopsy of the prostate has become one of the most commonly performed urological procedures. In general it is well tolerated, although there is some morbidity and risk of infection. In recent years, there have been increasing concerns that prostate biopsy may lead to tumour seeding along the needle tract. The aim of the present paper was to review the evidence on the prevalence of tumour seeding after prostate biopsy and to define the risk of this event in the context of current clinical practice. A PubMed literature search was conducted in January 2014 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) statement. Literature was examined with emphasis on the incidence of seeding, clinical presentation and on risk factors including type of needle used, transrectal vs transperineal approach, as well as tumour grade and stage. In all, 26 publications were identified reporting needle‐tract seeding after prostate biopsy. In all, 42 patients with needle‐tract seeding were identified. In most cases, seeding was reported after transperineal biopsy of the prostate, while nine cases occurred after transrectal biopsy. Based on the reviewed series the incidence of seeding appears to be <1%. The increase in the number of biopsies and cores taken at each biopsy over the years has not resulted in an increase in the reported cases of seeding. In conclusion, seeding along the needle track is a rare complication after prostate biopsy. Its actual incidence is presently difficult to quantify. It is reasonable to advise appropriate counselling and take measures to reduce this event where possible; however, we do not advocate avoidance of biopsies as the benefits of appropriate cancer diagnosis and management outweigh any potential risks from seeding.     

Effect of needle size on cancer detection, pain, bleeding and infection in TRUS-guided prostate biopsies: a prospective trial

Introduction:

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsies using 18G calibre needles are widely used; most often 12-core tissue samples of the peripheral zone are obtained. Although the diagnostic yield of prostate biopsies is fair, there is still a potential for false negative results, which necessitates repeat biopsies. In an effort to improve the accuracy of prostate biopsies, different sampling schemes have been developed. One strategy has been to increase the number of core biopsies performed on each patient. Another strategy has been to improve the reliability of prostate biopsies using larger calibre needles, thereby increasing the amount of tissue obtained for each core biopsy.

Methods:

After approval by our institutional review board, we prospectively compared two biopsy needle sizes (18G vs. 16G) in relation to prostate cancer diagnosis, pain, bleeding and infection rates on 105 patients. Each patient underwent 6 TRUS-guided prostate biopsies with the standard 18G needle and 6 other biopsies with the experimental 16G needle. To evaluate possible complications related to the use of a larger 16G needle in the experimental group, we compared pain, bleeding and infection rates with a control group of 100 patients who underwent 12 biopsies with a single 18G needle (18G group). Pain, bleeding assessment and infection events were evaluated using patient questionnaires and telephone interviews.

Results:

TRUS-guided prostate biopsies using 16G calibre needles did not increase cancer detection or non-malignant pathology rate, including prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and atypical small acinar proliferatio (ASAP). Pain, bleeding and infectious complications were similar in both groups. Infection was defined as temperature above 38°C occurring within 48 hours after the procedure. We identified 4 patients with post-biopsy fever in the experimental (16/18G) group and 4 other patients in the (18G) control group. The post-biopsy infection rate is higher than reported just a few years ago and indicates that quinolone resistant Escherichia coli seems to be more prevalent in our urban setting than previously suspected. Limitations to our study include small group numbers.

Conclusion:

Larger 16G needles appear to be safe for TRUS-guided prostate biopsies. Further study in a larger, multi-institutional, prospective, randomized manner with 16G needles is warranted to assess the theoretical benefit of larger core biopsies in prostate cancer detection.     

16G和18G穿刺针在超声引导下经直肠前列腺活检对前列腺癌的诊断效果及并发症比较

目的:增加穿刺针的直径可能通过获取更多组织而提高前列腺癌的检出率。本研究旨在比较16G和18G穿刺针在超声引导下经直肠前列腺活检诊断前列腺癌的效果及并发症。方法:本研究为前瞻性随机对照研究。2015年7月至2018年7月在超声引导下经直肠前列腺活检的142例患者作为研究对象,采用随机数表法将142例患者分为16G组和18G组,每组各71例。穿刺后比较两组血尿、出血和感染事件的发生率。采用Clavien-Dindo评分对并发症进行分级。结果:18G组前列腺癌检出率明显低于16G组(12.68%vs 36.62%),差异有统计学意义(χ^2=10.958,P=0.001)。当f/tPSA≤0.15时,18G组前列腺癌检出率仍明显低于16G组(8.51%vs 44.44%),差异有统计学意义(χ^2=12.617,P=0.001)。当f/tPSA>0.15时,两组间PCa穿刺检出率的差异无统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组活检后直肠出血(21.13%vs 15.49%)和尿道出血(18.31%vs 16.90%)的发生率比较无统计学差异(χ^2=0.753,P=0.385;χ^2=0.049,P=0.826),两组均未见感染并发症的发生。根据Clavien-Dindo分级:18G组Ⅰ级26例,16G组20例;两组均无Ⅱ级;18G组Ⅲa级2例,16G组3例,两组Clavien-Dindo分级的比较无统计学差异(Z=-0.698,P=0.458)。结论:活检针16G前列腺癌的检出率比18G高,且不增加并发症的发生率。     

Comparison of transrectal fine-needle aspiration cytology and core needle biopsy in diagnosis of prostate cancer

One hundred sixty-nine transrectal fine-needle aspirations of the prostate gland were performed in 166 patients over a two-year period. The results were compared with simultaneous core needle biopsy performed in all but 4 patients. Forty-seven (28%) aspirations were either unsatisfactory or inconclusive. Of the remaining 122 (72%) patients in whom a cytologic diagnosis could be made, core biopsy was available in 120. Aspiration cytology was 87 percent sensitive and 96 percent specific with an overall agreement of 93 percent with core biopsy. No major complications occurred. We conclude that fine-needle aspiration of the prostate is accurate, safe, and cost-effective, and greater application of this technique is encouraged.     

Bacteremia and bacteriuria after transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy

PURPOSE: We determined the incidence and predisposing factors of bacteremia and bacteriuria after prostate biopsy with specific emphasis on the value of a pre-biopsy enema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomized 50 men undergoing ultrasound and biopsy to rule out prostate cancer to receive a preoperative (25) or no (25) enema. Preoperatively urine was obtained for culture, and questionnaires regarding urological history and voiding symptoms were completed. The initial prostate biopsy, biopsy needle, and postoperative urine and blood specimens were cultured. The following day a symptom questionnaire was completed. RESULTS: Bacterial growth in post-procedure cultures did not correlate with the number of biopsies, prostate specific antigen, obstructive voiding symptoms, prostate volume, cancer or post-biopsy hematuria. Bacteriuria was noted in 44% of the cases and bacteremia was present in 16% of the patients, of whom 87.5% did not receive an enema (p = 0.0003). Only 1 patient had chills and fever greater than 37.5C, requiring additional antibiotics. On the followup questionnaire 12% of patients described dysuria, including 84% with bacteriuria after biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteremia and bacteriuria after multiple biopsies are common but usually asymptomatic. Bacteria is apparently introduced into the urine and/or blood from the rectum via the biopsy needle, which may be minimized by a pre-biopsy enema. Dysuria or a history of urinary tract infection did not predict problems after biopsy.     

直肠超声引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检615例并发症分析

目的探讨经直肠超声引导下经会阴部前列腺穿刺活检并发症发生的相关因素。方法回顾性分析经直肠超声引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检患者615例,分析并发症发生率和相关因素。结果本组615例中,213例（213／615,34．63％）出现并发症,其中肉眼血尿117例（117／213,54．93％）,尿路刺激征40例（40／213,18．78％）,尿潴留27例（27／213,12．68％）,血管迷走神经反射11例（11／213,5．16％）,血尿合并血精8例（8／213,3．76％）,发热6例（6／213,2．82％）,会阴部肿胀伴出血4例（4／213,1．88％）。穿刺针数与并发症发生存在相关性（P=0．007）。结论经直肠超声引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检是早期前列腺癌诊断的安全有效的方法。使用16G或18G穿刺针合理穿刺可以有效降低并发症发生率。     

Transrectal prostate biopsy and fiducial marker placement in a standard 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging scanner

PURPOSE: We investigated the accuracy and feasibility of a system that provides transrectal needle access to the prostate concurrent with 1.5 Tesla MRI which previously has not been possible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 5 patients with previously diagnosed prostate cancer, MRI guided intraprostatic placement of gold fiducial markers (4 procedures) and/or prostate biopsy (3 procedures) was performed using local anesthesia. RESULTS: Mean procedure duration was 76 minutes and all patients tolerated the intervention well. Procedure related adverse events included self-limited hematuria and hematochezia following 3 of 8 procedures (all resolved in less than 1 week). Mean needle placement accuracy was 1.9 mm for the fiducial marker placement studies and 1.8 mm for the biopsy procedures. Mean fiducial marker placement accuracy was 4.8 mm and the mean fiducial marker placement accuracy transverse to the needle direction was 2.6 mm. All patients who underwent the procedure were able to complete their course of radiotherapy without delay or complication. CONCLUSIONS: While studies of clinical usefulness are warranted, transrectal 1.5 T MRI guided prostate biopsy and fiducial marker placement is feasible using this system, providing new opportunities for image guided diagnostic and therapeutic prostate interventions.     

Antibiotic prophylaxis for transrectal needle biopsy of the prostate: a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on infective complications after transrectal needle biopsy of the prostate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 1996 and September 1998, 231 patients who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria entered the study; the patients were randomized into three groups. Each patient underwent transrectal needle biopsy of the prostate after a cleansing enema at 06:00 hours. Patients in group 1 (75) then received a placebo tablet twice a day for 3 days; those in group 2 (79) were given a single dose of ciprofloxacin (500 mg) and tinidazole (600 mg), while those in group 3 (77) were given the same combination twice a day for 3 days. Urine cultures were obtained 48 h after the biopsy and blood cultures only from patients who developed fever. The complications (categorized as infective or noninfective) occurring in the three groups were compared using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Noninfective complications included were lower urinary tract symptoms, rectal bleeding, haematuria and perineal pain. The infective complications included urinary tract infection and fever. There was no significant difference among the three groups in noninfective complications (27, 29 and 31 in groups 1-3, respectively) but the incidence of infective complications (19, six and eight, respectively) was significantly higher in group 1 (P = 0.003). However, the difference was significant only for urinary tract infection (P = 0.01) and not for fever. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients a single dose of ciprofloxacin-tinidazole is adequate prophylaxis for transrectal needle biopsy of the prostate. The present urinary infection rate was higher if no antibiotics were used. Continuing the antibiotic prophylaxis for 3 days offered no benefit over single-dose prophylaxis.     

超声引导前列腺12针系统穿刺活检术

目的　探讨经直肠超声引导下前列腺12针系统穿刺活检术诊断前列腺癌的临床价值。　方法　对220例行经直肠B超引导下前列腺12针(在传统6针基础上增加前列腺两侧外周带外侧底、中、尖部各1针)系统穿刺活检术的患者资料进行回顾性分析。　结果　前列腺癌患者73例(33. 2% ),临床分期T1 4例、T2 21例、T3 15例、T4 33例,如按传统6针穿刺方法穿刺,检出率为31. 4%,将有4例早期癌(T1 3例、T2 1例,体积均<0. 5ml)患者漏诊, 6针较12针穿刺漏诊早期癌16% (4 /25)。220例患者均未出现严重并发症。　结论　12针较6针系统穿刺活检可以增加早期癌和小体积癌( <0. 5ml)的检出,应重视对前列腺外周带外侧6点的穿刺。     

Vector Prostate Biopsy: A Novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Ultrasound Image Fusion Transperineal Biopsy Technique Using Electromagnetic Needle Tracking Under Local Anaesthesia

BackgroundProstate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now standard for assessment of suspected prostate cancer (PCa). A variety of approaches to MRI-based targeting has revolutionised prostate biopsies.ObjectiveTo describe the procedure and show the accuracy and tolerability of a novel Vector MRI/ultrasound fusion transperineal (TP) biopsy technique that uses electromagnetic (EM) needle tracking under local anaesthesia (LA).Design, setting, and participantsVector prostate biopsy using BiopSee fusion software, EM tracking technology, and transrectal ultrasound was performed in 69 patients meeting the biopsy criteria in two UK centres between September 2020 and August 2022.Surgical procedureStepper-mounted rectal ultrasound images were fused with MRI scans. LA was applied into two defined perineal tracks and a needle sheath with an EM sensor was inserted. The biopsy needle was directed precisely through the sheath to MRI targets under EM tracking. Biopsies were taken without antibiotic prophylaxis.MeasurementsCancer detection (any PCa; grade group ≥2), side effects, and patient experience measures were recorded.Results and limitationsCancer detection in patients with Likert 4–5 lesions was 98% for any PCa and 83% for grade group ≥2. According to the 50 questionnaires returned, 42 patients (84%) reported no or minimal pain, while 40 (80%) reported no or minimal discomfort. No episodes of postoperative urinary retention occurred, and only one patient required treatment for infection. Limitations include the low patient number and incomplete responses to questionnaires.ConclusionsThis novel Vector technique provides a feasible and tolerable procedure for MRI/ultrasound fusion TP biopsy under LA, with high cancer detection rates. This is achieved while maintaining patient comfort and with minimal rates of complications.Patient summaryWe report a novel technique that uses electromagnetic needle tracking to perform highly accurate and comfortable prostate biopsies through the perineum under local anaesthetic.     

Significance of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia on prostate needle biopsy.

Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) is a putative premalignant change in the human prostate. Previously, the spatial association of PIN with invasive carcinoma has been described in the study of total prostatectomies. PIN is frequently recognized in prostate needle biopsy specimens in which no carcinoma is apparent. To further define the potential significance of PIN, we performed repeat ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy in 21 men who had PIN identified on prostate biopsy performed because of an abnormal finding on digital rectal examination. Twelve patients (57%) had carcinoma identified on their second procedure including all who had intermediate- and high-grade PIN on the initial procedure. Prostate-specific antigen correlated with PIN grade and carcinoma on the secondary procedure, although this did not achieve statistical significance. Men with PIN on prostate needle biopsy should undergo repeat sampling to exclude missed carcinoma.     

Condom perforation during transrectal ultrasound guided (TRUS) prostate biopsies: a potential infection risk

Introduction Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsies are amongst the most common outpatient diagnostic procedures performed in urology practice. Of concern appear to be recent reports of infectious complications following this procedure in which contamination of the biopsy equipment was the likely source. This study looks at the rate of condom perforation during prostate biopsy and we look to highlight the potential problems, which may arise as a result of inadequate cleansing of the equipment between cases during a busy prostate biopsy clinic Material and methods All patients attending for prostate biopsies over a three-month period in our institution were included in the study. All condoms (latex) used were made by the same manufacturer and were checked prior to the procedure and found to have no leaks. The biopsy gun was inserted through an externally placed needle guide, as is standard practice in many departments in the UK. After the end of each procedure the condom was removed from the rectal probe and filled once again with water to assess for perforations. Two experienced surgeons carried out all the procedures. Results 10 out of 107 patients were found to have at least one perforation in the condom. In some of the condoms there were multiple perforations. Discussion We have demonstrated a significant condom perforation rate (9%) amongst patients undergoing prostate biopsies. This raises the serious issue of hygiene and cross infection, particularly with blood borne communicable diseases such as hepatitis and HIV unless strict disinfection and sterilization protocols are followed between patients. Perforation of the condoms used during TRUS guided prostate biopsy and hence faecal and blood contamination of the biopsy equipment could potentially have far-reaching implications for urologists and the infection control community. Although the risk of cross infection is probably small this serious issue needs addressing.     

Bacteraemia following perineal prostatic biopsy

Forty patients undergoing needle biopsy of the prostate via the perineal route were studied bacteriologically. Four had positive blood cultures 5 min after the biopsy but none developed septicaemia, although no prophylactic antibiotics were used. Three of the four patients developing bacteraemia were found to have an unsuspected urinary tract infection and the same organisms were cultured from blood and urine, suggesting that this was the source of the bacteraemia.     

Discrepancy between Gleason scores of biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens

OBJECTIVE: The grade of the prostate cancer is an important factor in defining prognosis and deciding on treatment. In this study, we compared the Gleason score determined by 18-gauge core needle biopsies with both the Gleason score and pathological staging of the radical prostatectomy specimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1992 and September 1998, we performed 144 radical retropubic prostatectomies for clinically localized prostatic carcinoma, after a negative frozen section in bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy in all cases. Ten patients with pathologic stage T1a and T1b were excluded. The final study group consisted of 134 patients, all of whom had been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma by transrectal needle biopsies with an 18-gauge automated spring-loaded biopsy gun. No patients received neoadjuvant therapy, including androgen deprivation and radiation therapy. All patients had a designated Gleason score on the needle biopsy and prostatectomy specimens. RESULTS: We found that grading error was greatest with well-differentiated (Gleason score 2-4) tumors, The accuracy was 15% for Gleason score 2-4 on needle biopsy. Of the 113 evaluable patients with Gleason score 5-7 on needle biopsy, 110 (97%) were graded correctly. All of the Gleason score 8-10 on needle biopsy was graded correctly. But only 1 patient in our series had Gleason score 8 on needle biopsy. Twenty-seven (25%) of 110 patients with a biopsy grade of Gleason score <7 had the cancer upgraded to 7. Of patients with both Gleason score <7 in the needle biopsy and Gleason score 7 in the prostatectomy specimen, only 3 (11%) had tumor confined to the prostate. CONCLUSION: The potential for grading error is greatest with well-differentiated tumors and of patients with both Gleason scores <7 in the needle biopsy and Gleason score 7 in the prostatectomy specimen, only 11% had tumor confined to the prostate. This effects treatment policy, especially for watchful waiting criteria.     

Repeat prostate biopsy in patients with previous negative biopsies

We retrospectively analyzed the results of 104 patients who underwent a second prostate needle biopsy. Between January 1993 and September 2000, 654 needle biopsies were performed and cancer was found in 239 patients. Among the other 415 patients, 104 patients underwent a second biopsy. The average prostate specific antigen (PSA) value was 9.6 ng/ml (2.0-30.9) (Tandem R conversion value). Cancer was detected in 16 out of 104 cases (15%) at the second biopsy, 4 out of 39 (10%) at the third biopsy, and 3 out of 10 (30%) at the fourth biopsy. The age, PSA value, digital examination, echography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were not helpful in distinguishing the patients with prostate cancer and atypical histological findings at the previous biopsy were the most important information. Among the 9 patients who showed atypical findings at the previous biopsy, 6 (67%) had cancer.     

Ultrasound versus digitally directed prostatic needle biopsy

During an 8-month period 55 patients with suspected but unproved prostatic carcinoma were entered randomly into a study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-directed transperineal needle biopsy of the prostate. Each patient was biopsied with and without ultrasound assistance; the method used first was determined randomly. Of the 15 patients diagnosed as having adenocarcinoma only 9 were proved by conventional transperineal biopsy, whereas ultrasound-guided biopsy was accurate in all 15 patients (p less than 0.005). Transrectal ultrasound guidance significantly improves the yield of transperineal needle biopsy when it is performed for suspected malignancy.     

Prevention of infectious complications after prostate biopsy procedure

Although febrile complications are rarely encountered after a prostate biopsy procedure, in recent years the number of cases of fatal infection after that have increased along with increases in resistant bacteria. The available biopsy approaches are transrectal and transperineal, with the transrectal approach primarily used. As the invasion path of the puncture needle differs between these approaches, pretreatment and the method of administration of preventive antimicrobial drugs should be separately considered for infection prevention. Recently, the Japanese guidelines for perioperative infection prevention in the field of urology were revised after receiving approval from the Japanese Urological Association. With use of the transrectal approach, attempts have been made to selectively administer prophylactic antibiotics by confirming the presence or absence of resistant bacteria in rectal swab culture results before carrying out a prostate biopsy procedure because of potential problems associated with resistant bacteria in rectal flora. For preventive antibiotics, a single dose of oral quinolone is recommended for patients with low risk, whereas daily administrations of piperacillin/tazobactam are recommended for those considered to be high risk. In contrast, for the transperineal procedure, a single dose of oral quinolone is recommended as a preventive antibiotic. With both approaches, it is important to empirically administer broad‐spectrum antimicrobials when occurrence of a febrile infection after a prostate biopsy procedure is confirmed.     

Tolerance of pain during transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate: risk factors

Transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the prostate is routinely performed to diagnose prostate cancer. We performed a prospective study to assess the pain and identify risk factors of pain during prostate biopsy. Prospectively, 131 patients were enrolled. Transrectal ultrasound-guided needle prostate biopsies were performed without any anesthesia. Pain was assessed by using an immediate postbiopsy anonymous questionnaire including a linear visual analog scale (VAS). Six factors were studied (age, prostate volume, cores number, operator, previous biopsy and first core location). Most of the patients tolerated the biopsy with acceptable discomfort. Among the risk factors studied, only first core location influenced the pain. Apex biopsy first was more painful. We recommend starting biopsy with the base.     

Extended sector biopsy for detection of carcinoma of the prostate

Purpose: To determine whether an extended sector biopsy of the prostate will increase the detection of prostate cancer, without causing an increase in morbidity. Materials and Methods: A total of 74 men with a mean age of 62.3 years (46-98 years) who either had an elevated PSA or an abnormal digital rectal exam underwent a transrectal ultrasound guided needle biopsy. Beginning on 7/1/98, an extended sector biopsy technique was performed on 74 patients by one urologist (RRB). Each transrectal ultrasound guided needle biopsy included 12 total cores (normal sextant biopsy, 2 in each peripheral zone, and 2 in the transition zone). We retrospectively reviewed the biopsy results for the location of cancer. PSA data and morbidity of the procedures were reviewed. Results: Of 74 total patients, 40 (54.1%) were positive for adenocarcinoma of the prostate. There were 10 positive results detected only in the additional zones. If one looks at the total number of cancers detected (40), then 10/40 (25%) of the cancers detected were found in the additional regions only or in 13.5% of all patients biopsied. Of the 10 patients with sector only prostate cancer, 8 were detected in the peripheral zone, 1 in the transition zone and 1 in both zones. All 10 patients had a Gleason pattern score 3+3=6 or 4+3=7. There were no atypical or PIN cores found in the sector zones only. PSA ranged from 1.2-142 (median 6.0 ng/ml). The median PSA was 6.2 ng/ml in all patients found to have cancer, and 6.0 ng/ml in the cancers detected only in the additional zones. There was 1 (1.4%) complication of urinary retention and fever. Conclusion: Our study suggests that an extensive sector biopsy may increase the detection of prostate cancer by 13.5% over a routine sextant biopsy, without demonstrable serious morbidity.