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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
[Complications of prostatic biopsies. Analysis of a series of 4,764 biopsies]
1Pavillon Camille Guérin, Hôpital de la Mileterie, Poitiers.
Abstract:
A multicentre, retrospective series of 4,764 prostatic biopsies revealed 89 complications (1.86%). The commonest complications were infectious (including 10 cases of septicaemia) and antibiotic prophylaxis does not appear to be able to totally prevent them. Thirty three complications occurred after negative biopsies. Many minor complications are probably treated at home by the local doctor and would therefore not be reported to the urologist.
Insights
Prostate biopsies can cause complications like infections and sepsis, even with antibiotics. Many minor issues may go unreported, suggesting a need for better complication monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Complications
Context:
- Retrospective analysis of 4,764 prostate biopsies across multiple centers.
- Investigating the incidence and nature of complications following prostatic biopsy.
Purpose:
- To determine the complication rate of prostatic biopsies.
- To identify the most frequent complications and assess the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis.
- To understand complications occurring after negative biopsies.
Summary:
- A total of 89 complications (1.86%) were recorded in 4,764 prostatic biopsies.
- Infectious complications, including 10 cases of sepsis, were most common, indicating limitations of antibiotic prophylaxis.
- 33 complications occurred post-biopsy even with negative results, and minor complications may be underreported.
Impact:
- Highlights the risk of infectious complications, including sepsis, after prostatic biopsy.
- Suggests that current antibiotic prophylaxis may not fully prevent infectious complications.
- Underscores potential underreporting of minor complications, impacting accurate incidence assessment.

