[Transrectal echography of the prostate and its value in screening for prostatic carcinoma]

In order to assess the value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma we investigated 130 men, above the age of 50, with both ultrasound and rectal examination in a prospective study. Both investigations were performed independently from each other. When either ultrasonography or rectal examination indicated the presence of malignancy a transrectal prostatic biopsy was performed. Biopsies were taken in 72 (55%) patients. In 33 (46%) of these a carcinoma was diagnosed after histologic examination. Additional histological diagnostic data were obtained on 22 patients on whom a transurethral prostatic resection or open prostatectomy was performed. In 70% ultrasonography and rectal examination gave identical results with respect to diagnosis of carcinoma. Ten out of 33 carcinomas were detected by either ultrasound alone (n = 6) or rectal examination alone (n = 4). The advantages of ultrasound investigation include detection of non-palpable tumors, more correct staging and improved technique of ultrasound guided biopsy.