Serum levels of prostate specific antigen are elevated after colonoscopy

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Prostate cancer and colorectal carcinoma risks increase with age.
• Colonoscopy and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurements are common procedures.
• The impact of colonoscopy on PSA levels requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if colonoscopy affects serum PSA levels.
• To assess the relationship between prostate volume and PSA elevation post-colonoscopy.

Main Methods:

• 44 male patients undergoing colonoscopy were studied.
• Serum PSA measured pre-procedure, post-enema, and at 24-48h, 7 days, and 14 days post-colonoscopy.
• Prostate volume was assessed, with 20 cm³ used as a cutoff for normal size.

Main Results:

• Serum PSA levels elevated post-enema and at 24-48h and 7 days post-colonoscopy (p<0.05).
• PSA levels returned to baseline by day 14.
• Patients with larger prostates (>20 cm³) showed significantly higher PSA elevations at 24-48h and 7 days (p=0.013, p=0.009).

Conclusions:

• Colonoscopy and associated procedures can temporarily elevate serum PSA levels for up to seven days.
• Larger prostate volumes are associated with greater PSA release following colonoscopy.
• Consider recent colonoscopy history in patients with elevated PSA before invasive procedures.