[Prostate cytology. 12 years' experience with transrectal fine needle biopsy]

From January 1970 until November 1982 7814 fine needle biopsies of the prostate were performed in 5856 patients in the urological clinic of the University of Munich. Our experience with this method demonstrates, that the technique is not as easy and must be taught carefully. The diagnostic accuracy depends mostly on the clinician who performs the procedure, less on the cytopathologist. It is possible to distinguish a normal cytological pattern as well as different degrees of infection and different types of tumour-malignancy of the prostatic cancer. Therapy-induced tumour-regression also can be diagnosed. Because of few complications and its high diagnostic reliability the method deserves increased use.