Antibiotic prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasound biopsy of the prostate in Ireland

Prostate cancer is the most common solid cancer affecting men in Ireland. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsies of the prostate are routinely performed to diagnose prostate cancer. They are, in general, a safe procedure but are associated with a significant risk of infective complications ranging from fever, urinary tract infection to severe urosepsis. At present, there are no recommended national guidelines on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis to minimise the risk of infective complications post-TRUS biopsy.

To review the antibiotic prophylaxis for TRUS biopsy used in Irish hospitals.

We used a standard telephone questionnaire to establish what antibiotic protocol is in use in each hospital.

40 hospitals were contacted, of which 29 perform TRUS biopsies. In the majority of hospitals, TRUS biopsies are carried out in the radiology department. All hospitals administer antibiotic prophylaxis but there is wide variation in the protocols used. There are five different antibiotics prescribed, ciprofloxacin being the most common. Treatment protocols vary from 1 to 10 days antibiotic cover post procedure.

There is a lack of standardisation of antibiotic prophylaxis in Irish hospitals. There is a need for guidelines to clarify the most appropriate antibiotic, route of administration and duration of treatment.