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The problem of infection after prostatic biopsy: the case for the transperineal approach

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Prostate needle biopsy infection rates were compared. Transrectal biopsy caused high rates of bacteremia and urinary tract infections, reduced by cefamandole antibiotic prophylaxis.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Microbiology

Background:

  • Prostate needle biopsy is a common procedure for diagnosing prostate cancer.
  • Infection is a significant complication following prostate biopsy, necessitating preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare infection incidence after different prostate needle biopsy techniques.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing post-biopsy infections.

Main Methods:

  • Compared transrectal versus transperineal prostate needle biopsy techniques in 45 patients.
  • Performed aerobic/anaerobic cultures of biopsy needle, prostate, urine, and blood.
  • Assessed endotoxin levels using Limulus lysate assay.
  • Conducted a double-blind controlled trial with cefamandole premedication for transrectal biopsies.

Main Results:

  • All transrectal biopsy patients developed bacteremia (40% symptomatic), with 87% experiencing post-operative urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Cefamandole prophylaxis significantly reduced bacteremia to 53% and prevented UTIs in transrectal biopsy patients.
  • Transperineal biopsy showed lower bacteremia (40%) and UTI (27%) rates, with predominantly skin contaminants and no symptomatic infections.
  • Higher endotoxin levels were observed in the unprotected transrectal biopsy group.

Conclusions:

  • Transrectal prostate needle biopsy is associated with a high risk of post-procedural infection, including bacteremia and UTIs.
  • Antibiotic prophylaxis, such as cefamandole, is effective in reducing the incidence of infection after transrectal prostate biopsy.
  • Transperineal biopsy appears to carry a lower risk of symptomatic infection compared to transrectal biopsy.

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