[Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate]

We studied 100 cases of prostatic disease with transrectal ultrasound; all were confirmed by histopathology. 83 cases were diagnosed as benign hyperplasia, 76 were confirmed 7 were cancer. Sensitivity 89.4%. 17 cases were diagnosed as cancer, biopsy confirmed 8, the other 9 were hyperplasia (sensitivity 53.3%). The more reliable ultrasonographic signs of cancer are the interruption on the continuity of the prostatic capsule, the extrinsic compression of the bladder and/or the seminal glands. The echogenicity of the prostatic tissue can have variations, it can be iso-, hypo- or hyperechoic in cancer and also in benign hyperplasia. We conclude, as in other reports, that transrectal ultrasound can demonstrate abnormal prostatic tissue, yet there is not enough sensitivity. Therefore biopsy is necessary and it can be performed by means of this procedure.