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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Transperineal Prostate Biopsy Using a Cone-shaped Double-hole Method with Dual-plane Probe Guidance
Published on: June 6, 2025
[Morbidity and risk factors of transrectal prostate biopsy]
C Moreno Alarcón1, P A López González, P López Cubillana
1Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, España. crismomed@hotmail.com
Objectives:
To evaluate the incidence of minor complications that rarely need treatment (haematuria, hematospermia and rectal bleeding) and major complications (fever and shock) in patients undergoing transrectal biopsy of the prostate and to identify risk factors.
Patients And Methods:
We present an analytic and prospective study where we evaluated 146 patients subjected to transrectal biopsy of the prostate from December 2007 to September 2008. Complications rates and variables were analyzed.
Results:
Eight patients (5,5%) suffered fever and seven (4,8%) of them were admitted. One of the patients (0,7%) suffered shock. The median of time between biopsy and fever was 3.5 days (1-10 days). Haematuria and hematospermia were more frequent in patients younger than 65 years (p<0.05) and fever and sepsis were more frequent in patients with prostate volume smaller than 55mL (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
The complications of the transrectal biopsy of the prostate are frequent, autolimited and they rarely suppose a health hazard for the patients. The most frequent are haematuria and hemospermia, specially in younger patients, whereas infectious complications are rarer and in our study are more frequent in patients with smaller prostates. We must take into account that the information to the patient is very important after a prostate biopsy, so we can avoid useless consultations (for example with haematuria) and it will enable to identify important signs like fever earlier.
Insights
Transrectal prostate biopsy complications like hematuria and hematospermia are common, especially in younger men. Infectious complications, such as fever, are less frequent and more common in men with smaller prostates.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Research
- Clinical Studies
Context:
- Transrectal prostate biopsy is a common procedure for diagnosing prostate cancer.
- Understanding complication rates and risk factors is crucial for patient management and informed consent.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence of minor (hematuria, hematospermia, rectal bleeding) and major (fever, shock) complications following transrectal prostate biopsy.
- To identify patient-specific risk factors associated with these complications.
Summary:
- This prospective study analyzed 146 patients undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy.
- Minor complications (hematuria, hematospermia) were more frequent in patients under 65.
- Infectious complications (fever, sepsis) were more common in patients with smaller prostate volumes (<55mL).
Impact:
- Complications are generally self-limiting and rarely pose a significant health risk.
- Patient education regarding expected symptoms (e.g., hematuria) can reduce unnecessary consultations.
- Early identification of serious signs like fever is essential for timely intervention.
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