[Examination of the anesthesia on transperineal prostate biopsy--saddle block versus caudal block]

We examined the anesthesia of transperineal prostate biopsy under saddle block or caudal block. Between July 2003 and September 2004, we performed transperineal prostate biopsy under saddle block and caudal block, in 59 and 78 patients, respectively. We evaluated the pain score with the FACES Pain Rating Scale (0-5) and examined side effects on each anesthesia. There was no significant difference in the pain score of anesthesia prick between saddle block and caudal block (1.51 +/- 1.03 versus 1.39 +/- 0.98 respectively, P = 0.629), but the biopsy prick under saddle block revealed significantly (P < 0.0001) lower pain score (0.05 +/- 0.22) than caudal block (1.18 +/- 1.22). Saddle block caused post-operative retention more frequently than caudal block and required the patient to rest in bed for several hours after prostate biopsy. Saddle block was useful for relieving the pain of biopsy. In future, we need to consider using a method with fewer side effects.