Turkish Urologists' preferences regarding antibiotic prophylaxis for transrectal prostate biopsy

Antibiotic prophylaxis for transrectal prostate biopsy (PB) is very important in preventing infectious complications, and in this study, we aimed to evaluate the antibiotic preferences of Turkish urologist for transrectal PB.

The survey about PB and antibiotic prophylaxis behaviors was administered to urologists working in Turkey who had previously participated in at least one international and one national congress.

A total of 237 urologists were included in the study. Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to PB was performed by 234 (98.7%) participants. Rectal swabbing prior to PB was not performed by 227 (95.8%) participants. The most common complication associated with PB was prostatitis (63%), followed by urinary tract infection (29%). Only 25.7% of Turkish urologists reported a single dose of antibiotic prophylaxis. Our participants often administered antibiotic prophylaxis for a period of 3, 5, or 7 days (16%, 21.1%, 35.9%, respectively). The most common antibiotic agent preferred for prophylaxis was ciprofloxacin (65%).

The biopsy behavior of Turkish urologists was mostly compatible with the literature, but it was revealed that Turkish urologists do not prefer single-dose antibiotic therapy, and their practice patterns regarding the administration of pre-biopsy rectal swabbing are inconsistent with the literature.