European Association of Urology Position Paper on the Prevention of Infectious Complications Following Prostate Biopsy

Cost-effectiveness analysis of different anesthesia strategies for transperineal MRI/US fusion prostate biopsy

ABSTRACT

This study aims to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of three different anesthesia strategies, namely chatting while under local anesthesia (Chat-LA), total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), and general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway (GA-LMA), employed in transperineal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ultrasound (US) fusion prostate biopsy (TP-MUF-PB). A retrospective study was conducted involving 1202 patients who underwent TP-MUF-PB from June 2016 to April 2023 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (Suzhou, China). Clinical data and outcomes, including total costs, complications, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), were compared. Probability sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed. Chat-LA was found to be the most cost-effective option, outperforming both TIVA and GA-LMA. However, subgroup analyses revealed that in younger patients (under 65 years old) and those with smaller prostate volumes (<40 ml), TIVA emerged as a more cost-effective strategy. While Chat-LA may generally be the most cost-effective and safer anesthesia method for TP-MUF-PB, personalization of anesthesia strategies is crucial, considering specific patient demographics such as age and prostate volume.

Efficacy of fosfomycin compared to second generation cephalosporin flumarin as antimicrobial prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: a single center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Fluoroquinolone has been the historic choice of antimicrobial prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy. However, increased fluoroquinolone resistance and recent restrictions of its use for antimicrobial prophylaxis has led to the emergence of alternative agents for antimicrobial prophylaxis for TRUS guided prostate biopsy including fosfomycin and cephalosporins. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of fosfomycin and a second-generation cephalosporin flumarin as alternative antimicrobials for TRUS-guided prostate biopsy in terms of the incidence of infectious complications after TRUS-guided prostate biopsy.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsy between November 2009 to January 2023 was undertaken. Comparison of baseline characteristics and the incidence of infectious complications was done between those who received fosfomycin as antimicrobial prophylaxis for TRUS-guided prostate biopsy and those who received flumarin. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for infectious complications after TRUS-guided prostate biopsy.

RESULTS

Of 2,900 patients identified as eligible candidates for analysis, 333 (11.5%) received fosfomycin and 2,567 (88.5%) received flumarin. The overall rate of infectious complications was approximately 3% lower in patients who received fosfomycin, although such difference did not reach statistical significance (5.7% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.074). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that history of operation done under general anaesthesia within six months of the biopsy (odds ratio [OR]: 2.216; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.042-4.713; p = 0.039) and history of prior antimicrobial use within six months (OR: 1.457; 95% CI: 1.049-2.024; p = 0.025) were significant risk factors for infectious complications after TRUS-guided prostate biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Fosfomycin was comparable to second-generation cephalosporin flumarin in preventing infectious complications after TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. Coupled with its properties such as ease of administration, low adverse effects, low resistance rate, and low collateral damage, fosfomycin might be an attractive alternative antimicrobial prophylaxis for TRUS-guided prostate biopsy.

Association of biopsy core number and location with pain in patients undergoing a transperineal prostate biopsy under local anaesthesia: a secondary analysis of the APROPOS trial

BACKGROUND

APROPOS was a multicentre, randomized, blinded trial focus on investigating the perineal nerve block versus the periprostatic block in pain control for men undergoing a transperineal prostate biopsy. In the analysis reported here, the authors aimed to evaluate the association of biopsy core count and location with pain outcomes in patients undergoing a transperineal prostate biopsy under local anesthesia.

METHODS

APROPOS was performed at six medical centers in China. Patients with suspected prostate cancer were randomized to receive either a perineal nerve block or a periprostatic block (1:1), followed by a transperineal prostate biopsy. The secondary analysis outcomes were the worst pain experienced during the prostate biopsy and postbiopsy pain at 1,6, and 24 h.

RESULTS

Between 12 August 2020 and 20 July 2022, a total of 192 patients were randomized in the original trial, and 188 were involved in this analysis, with 94 patients per group. Participants had a median (IQR) age of 68 (63-72) and a median (IQR) prostate volume of 42.51 (30.04-62.84). The patient population had a median (IQR) number of biopsy cores of 15 (12-17.50), and 26.06% of patients had a biopsy cores count of more than 15. After adjusting the baseline characteristics, the number of biopsy cores was associated with the worst pain during the biopsy procedure in both the perineal nerve block group ( β 0.19, 95% CI: 0.12-0.26, P <0.001) and the periprostatic block group ( β 0.16, 95% CI: 0.07-0.24, P <0.001). A similar association was also evident for the postbiopsy pain at 1, 6, and 24 h. A lesser degree of pain in both groups at any time (r range -0.57 to -0.01 for both groups) was associated with biopsy cores from the peripheral zone of the middle gland, while other locations were associated with a higher degree of pain. In addition, the location of the biopsy core had less of an effect on pain during the biopsy (r range -0.01-0.25 for both groups) than it did on postbiopsy pain (r range -0.57-0.60 for both groups).

CONCLUSIONS

In this secondary analysis of a randomized trial, biopsy core count and location were associated with pain in patients undergoing a transperineal prostate biopsy under local anesthesia. These results may be helpful for making clinical decisions about the anesthetic approach for scheduled transperineal prostate biopsies.

Trends and variation in prostate cancer diagnosis via transperineal biopsy in Australia and New Zealand

BACKGROUND

To describe changes in the use of prostate biopsy techniques among men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia and New Zealand and examine factors associated with these changes.

METHODS

We extracted data between 2015 and 2019 from 7 jurisdictions of the Australia and New Zealand Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry (PCOR-ANZ). Distribution and time trend of transrectal (TR) vs. transperineal (TP) biopsy type, differences in the proportion of biopsy type by geographic jurisdiction, diagnosing institute characteristics (public vs. private, metropolitan vs. regional, case volume) and patient characteristics such as socio-economic status (SES), and location of residence were analyzed.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 37,638 patients. The overall proportion of prostate cancer diagnosed by TP increased from 26% to 57% between 2015 and 2019. Patients living in a major city, a more socioeconomically advantaged area or who were diagnosed in a metropolitan or private hospital were more likely to have TP than TR. While all subgroups were observed to increase their use of TP over the study period, uptake grew faster for men from low SES areas and those diagnosed at a regional or low-volume hospital but slower for men living in outer regional/remote areas or treated at a public hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

In this binational registry, prostate cancer is now more commonly diagnosed by TP than the TR approach. While the gap between uptakes of TP has diminished for patients with low vs. high SES, disparity has widened for patients from outer regional areas vs major cities and public vs. private hospitals.

Protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial assessing transperineal prostate biopsy to reduce infectiouscomplications

INTRODUCTION

Approximately one million prostate biopsies are performed annually in the USA, and most are performed using a transrectal approach under local anaesthesia. The risk of postbiopsy infection is increasing due to increasing antibiotic resistance of rectal flora. Single-centre studies suggest that a clean, percutaneous transperineal approach to prostate biopsy may have a lower risk of infection. To date, there is no high-level evidence comparing transperineal versus transrectal prostate biopsy. We hypothesise that transperineal versus transrectal prostate biopsy under local anaesthesia has a significantly lower risk of infection, similar pain/discomfort levels and comparable detection of non-low-grade prostate cancer.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will perform a multicentre, prospective randomised clinical trial to compare transperineal versus transrectal prostate biopsy for elevated prostate-specific antigen in the first biopsy, prior negative biopsy and active surveillance biopsy setting. Prostate MRI will be performed prior to biopsy, and targeted biopsy will be conducted for suspicious MRI lesions in addition to systematic biopsy (12 cores). Approximately 1700 men will be recruited and randomised in a 1:1 ratio to transperineal versus transrectal biopsy. A streamlined design to collect data and to determine trial eligibility along with the two-stage consent process will be used to facilitate subject recruitment and retention. The primary outcome is postbiopsy infection, and secondary outcomes include other adverse events (bleeding, urinary retention), pain/discomfort/anxiety and critically, detection of non-low-grade (grade group ≥2) prostate cancer.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The Institutional Review Board of the Biomedical Research Alliance of New York approved the research protocol (protocol number #18-02-365, approved 20 April 2020). The results of the trial will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04815876.

Perineal nerve block versus periprostatic block for patients undergoing transperineal prostate biopsy (APROPOS): a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled study

Background

We aimed to investigate perineal nerve block versus periprostatic block in pain control for men undergoing a transperineal prostate biopsy.

Methods

In this prospective, randomised, blinded and parallel-group trial, men in six Chinese hospitals with suspected prostate cancer were randomly assigned (1:1) at the point of local anaesthesia to receive a perineal nerve block or periprostatic block and followed by a transperineal prostate biopsy. Centres used their usual biopsy procedure. Operators who performed anaesthesia were trained in both techniques before the trial and were masked to the randomised allocation until the time of anaesthesia and were not involved in the subsequent biopsy procedure and any assessment or analysis. Other investigators and the patients were masked until trial completion. The primary outcome was the level of the worst pain experienced during the prostate biopsy procedure. Secondary outcomes included pain (post-biopsy at 1, 6 and 24 h), changes in blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate during the biopsy procedure, external manifestations of pain during biopsy, anaesthesia satisfaction, the detection rate of PCa and clinically significant PCa. This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04501055.

Findings

Between August 13, 2020, and July 20, 2022, 192 men were randomly assigned to perineal nerve block or periprostatic block, 96 per study group. Perineal nerve block was superior for the relief of pain during the biopsy procedure (mean 2.80 for perineal nerve block and 3.98 for periprostatic block; adjusted difference in means -1.17, P < 0.001). Although the perineal nerve block had a lower mean pain score at 1 h post-biopsy compared with the periprostatic block (0.23 vs 0.43, P = 0.042), they were equivalent at 6 h (0.16 vs 0.25, P = 0.389) and 24 h (0.10 vs 0.26, P = 0.184) respectively. For the change in vital signs during biopsy procedure, perineal nerve block was significantly superior to periprostatic block in terms of maximum value of systolic blood pressure, maximum value of mean arterial pressure and maximum value of heart rate. There are no statistical differences in average value of systolic blood pressure, average value of mean, average value of heart rate, diastolic blood pressure and breathing rate. Perineal nerve block was also superior to periprostatic block in external manifestations of pain (1.88 vs 3.00, P < 0.001) and anaesthesia satisfaction (8.93 vs 11.90, P < 0.001). Equivalence was shown for the detection rate of PCa (31.25% for perineal nerve block and 29.17% for periprostatic block, P = 0.753) or csPCa (23.96% for perineal nerve block and 20.83% for periprostatic block, P = 0.604). 33 (34.8%) of 96 patients in the perineal nerve block group and 40 (41.67%) of 96 patients in the periprostatic block group had at least one complication.

Interpretation

Perineal nerve block was superior to periprostatic block in pain control for men undergoing a transperineal prostate biopsy.

Funding

Grant 2019YFC0119100 from the National Key Research and Development Program of China.

[Prostate biopsy-infection prophylaxis and patient preparation]

Prostate biopsy has been at the center of controversy in recent years due to high infection complications associated with the transrectal route and the withdrawal of authorization for fluoroquinolones and fosfomycin trometemol as prophylaxis. The Urological Infections Guideline Group of the European Association of Urology (EAU) recently published a meta-analysis in two parts based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and annually updates the data for the EAU guidelines. The meta-analyses show that transperineal prostate biopsy is associated with significantly fewer infectious complications than transrectal biopsy and should therefore be preferred. If transrectal biopsy is still used, then intrarectal cleansing with povidone-iodine and antibiotic prophylaxis should be used. Antibiotic prophylaxis strategies include targeted prophylaxis after sensitivity testing of the rectal flora, augmented prophylaxis with several antibiotics and empirical monoprophylaxis. Data from RCTs are available for aminoglycosides and third-generation cephalosporins.

Bacterial species and antimicrobial resistance differ between catheter and non–catheter-associated urinary tract infections: Data from a national surveillance network

Objective:

To investigate clinically relevant microbiological characteristics of uropathogens and to compare patients with catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) to those with non-CAUTIs.

Methods:

All urine cultures from the calendar year 2019 of the Swiss Centre for Antibiotic Resistance database were analyzed. Group differences in the proportions of bacterial species and antibiotic-resistant isolates from CAUTI and non-CAUTI samples were investigated.

Results:

Data from 27,158 urine cultures met the inclusion criteria. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis together represented 70% and 85% of pathogens identified in CAUTI and non-CAUTI samples, respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was significantly more often detected in CAUTI samples. The overall resistance rate for the empirically often-prescribed antibiotics ciprofloxacin (CIP), norfloxacin (NOR), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) was between 13% and 31%. Except for nitrofurantoin, E. coli from CAUTI samples were more often resistant (P ≤ .048) to all classes of antibiotics analyzed, including third-generation cephalosporines used as surrogate for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL). Significanty higher resistance proportions in CAUTI samples versus non-CAUTI samples were observed for CIP (P = .001) and NOR (P = .033) in K. pneumoniae, for NOR (P = .011) in P. mirabilis, and for cefepime (P = .015), and piperacillin-tazobactam (P = .043) in P. aeruginosa.

Conclusion:

CAUTI pathogens were more often resistant to recommended empirical antibiotics than non-CAUTI pathogens. This finding emphasizes the need for urine sampling for culturing before initiating therapy for CAUTI and the importance of considering therapeutic alternatives.

Ciprofloxacin Alone vs. Ciprofloxacin plus an Aminoglycoside for the Prevention of Infectious Complications following a Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of augmented prophylaxis (ciprofloxacin augmented with an aminoglycoside) compared with that of empirical prophylaxis (ciprofloxacin alone) on transrectal post-prostate biopsy infectious complication (PBIC) rates. A retrospective cohort study evaluated 2835 patients receiving either augmented or empirical prophylactic regimen before undergoing a transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy between January 2010 and October 2018. The patients were compared according to prophylactic regimen received. The incidence of PBICs and the impact of risk factors were evaluated. A total of 1849 patients received the empirical regimen, and 986 patients received the augmented regimen. The composite PBIC rate was 2.1% (n = 39) and 0.9% (n = 9) (p = 0.019), respectively, and the SIRS rate was 1.9% and 0.8% (p = 0.020), respectively. Of the 50 patients presenting with a PBIC, 29 (58%) had positive cultures (blood and/or urine) for Escherichia coli, of which 28 (97%) were ciprofloxacin-resistant. Taking a fluoroquinolone in the previous 6 months and having a previous urinary tract infection within 1 year prior to the biopsy had significant impact on PBIC rates (p = 0.009 and p = 0.011, respectively). Compared with ciprofloxacin alone, augmented prophylaxis was associated with significantly lower PBICs.

Clinical Value of a Routine Urine Culture Prior to Transrectal Prostate Biopsy

Background

Infectious complications after a transrectal prostate biopsy may be severe. In Sweden, a routine culture prior to all prostate biopsies was introduced to enable targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis and reduce postbiopsy infections.

Objective

To investigate whether a clinical routine with a urine culture prior to a prostate biopsy and targeted prophylactic antibiotic therapy reduces postbiopsy infections.

Design setting and participants

In 2015, a site-specific antimicrobial stewardship programme with a urine culture prior to a prostate biopsy was initiated in Region Kronoberg. To evaluate this routine, we designed a population-based register study including all men who had an outpatient prostate biopsy in 2015-2019 and a control period including all men who had a biopsy in 2010-2014, when a urinary culture was obtained only on clinical suspicion.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

The primary outcome was infectious complications within 10 d and the secondary outcome was a change in antibiotic prophylactic treatment. An infectious complication was defined as prescription of antibiotics for urinary tract infections or admission to hospital for urinary tract infections or sepsis after a biopsy.

Results and limitations

The urine culture period included 2971 prostate biopsy procedures, of which 2684 (90%) were preceded by a urine culture. The control period included 2818 procedures, of which 135 (4.8%) were preceded by a urine culture. Infectious complications were slightly more common during the urine culture period (5.0%) than during the control period (4.3%, p = 0.17), as was inpatient care for infections (3.5% vs 2.2%, p = 0.002). The routine identified 5.4% men with asymptomatic bacteriuria. Despite targeted antibiotic treatment (1.5% received a nonfluoroquinolone treatment), the rate of infectious complications (6.3%) was similar to that in the control period.

Conclusions

Prebiopsy urine culture did not lead to fewer postbiopsy infections. Other measures are needed to reduce infectious complications after a prostate biopsy.

Patient summary

In this report, we evaluated a routine with urine culture prior to a transrectal prostate biopsy and found that it did not lead to fewer infectious complications.

Serum and Prostatic Tissue Concentrations of Cefazolin, Ciprofloxacin and Fosfomycin after Prophylactic Use for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

The optimal drug of choice, its time of administration and duration of antibiotic prophylaxis in patient undergoing a TURP procedure are still matters of debate. In this study, we evaluated the concentrations of cefazolin, ciprofloxacin and fosfomycin in the human prostate in a cohort of men undergoing TURP. We compared prostate tissue concentrations to the serum concentrations and MICs of common uropathogens, to determine the appropriateness of the current presurgical prophylactic antibiotics and to gain supportive data about the suitability of fosfomycin for antibiotic prophylaxis in men undergoing urological procedures of the prostate. After a single intravenous dose of cefazoline or an oral dose of ciprofloxacin prior to TURP, concentrations in serum and prostate tissue of well above the MIC (EUCAST breakpoint) of common uropathogens (Enterobacterales) were reached, and both antibiotics seem potentially effective in preventing postsurgical infections. A single dose of oral and intravenous administration of fosfomycin both led to serum concentrations above the MIC for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (8 µg/mL). The MIC for other infections (32 µg/mL) was only reached after a single dose of intravenous fosfomycin. We were unable to detect fosfomycin concentrations in prostate tissue.

MRI-measured adipose features as predictive factors for detection of prostate cancer in males undergoing systematic prostate biopsy: a retrospective study based on a Chinese population

In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the data of 901 men undergoing ultrasonography-guided systematic prostate biopsy between March 2013 and May 2022. Adipose features, including periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness, were measured using MRI before biopsy. Prediction models of all PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) (Gleason score higher than 6) were established based on variables selected by multivariate logistic regression and prediction nomograms were constructed. Patients with PCa had higher PPAT thickness (4.64 [3.65-5.86] vs. 3.54 [2.49-4.51] mm, p < 0.001) and subcutaneous fat thickness (29.19 [23.05-35.95] vs. 27.90 [21.43-33.93] mm, p = 0.013) than those without PCa. Patients with csPCa had higher PPAT thickness (4.78 [3.80-5.88] vs. 4.52 [3.80-5.63] mm, p = 0.041) than those with non-csPCa. Adding adipose features to the prediction models significantly increased the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the prediction of all PCa (0.850 vs. 0.819, p < 0.001) and csPCa (0.827 vs. 0.798, p < 0.001). Based on MRI-measured adipose features and clinical parameters, we established two nomograms that were simple to use and could improve patient selection for prostate biopsy in Chinese population.

Occurrence and significance of fluoroquinolone-resistant and ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae complex of the rectal flora in Ghanaian patients undergoing prostate biopsy

Background

Reports suggest that fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant and ESBL-producing rectal flora are associated with infectious complications in men undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy (TRUS-B)

Objectives

We investigated the relationship between carriage of FQ-resistant and ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae complex of the rectal flora, and the 30 day incidence rate of post-TRUS-B infectious complications.

Methods

From 1 January 2018 to 30 April 2019, rectal swabs of 361 patients were cultured pre-TRUS-B for FQ-resistant and ESBL-producing flora. Patients were followed up for 30 days for infectious complications post-biopsy. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors.

Results

Overall, 86.4% (n = 312/361) and 62.6% (n = 226/361) of patients carried FQ-resistant and ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae complex, respectively. Approximately 60% (n = 289/483) of the FQ-resistant and 66.0% (n = 202/306) of the ESBL-positive isolates exhibited in vitro resistance to the pre-biopsy prophylactic antibiotic regimen of levofloxacin and gentamicin. Amikacin and meropenem were the most effective antibiotics against the MDR rectal E. coli and K. pneumoniae complex (78.7% and 84.3%, respectively). The 30 day incidence rate for post-biopsy infections was 3.1% (n = 11/361), with an overall high probability (96.9%) of staying free of infections within the 30 day period post-TRUS-B. Antibiotic use in the previous 3 months was a risk factor for rectal carriage of FQ-resistant and ESBL-positive isolates. Rectal colonization by ESBL-positive E. coli and K. pneumoniae complex comprised an independent risk factor for post-biopsy infectious complications.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that a change in prophylactic antibiotics to a more targeted regimen may be warranted in our institution.

Fosfomycin Trometamol for the Prevention of Infectious Complications After Prostate Biopsy: A Consensus Statement by an International Multidisciplinary Group

CONTEXT

Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRPB) has been a standard of care for diagnosing prostate cancer but is associated with a high incidence of infectious complications.

OBJECTIVE

To achieve an expert consensus on whether fosfomycin trometamol provides adequate prophylaxis in TRPB and discuss its role as prophylaxis in transperineal prostate biopsy (TPPB).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

An international multidisciplinary group of experts convened remotely to discuss how to best use fosfomycin in various clinical settings and patient situations. Six statements related to prostate biopsy and the role of fosfomycin were developed, based on literature searches and relevant clinical experience.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Consensus was reached for all six statements. The group of experts was unanimous regarding fosfomycin as a preferred candidate for antimicrobial prophylaxis in TRPB. Fosfomycin potentially also meets the requirements for empiric prophylaxis in TPPB, although further clinical studies are needed to confirm or refute its utility in this setting. There is a risk of bias due to sponsorship by a pharmaceutical company.

CONCLUSIONS

Antimicrobial prophylaxis is mandatory in TRPB, and fosfomycin trometamol is an appropriate candidate due to low rates of resistance, a good safety profile, sufficient prostate concentrations, and demonstrated efficacy in reducing the risk of infectious complications following TRPB.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRPB) have a high risk of infectious complications, and antimicrobial prophylaxis is mandatory. However, increasing antimicrobial resistance, as well as safety concerns with fluoroquinolones, has restricted the number of antimicrobial options. Fosfomycin trometamol meets the requirements for a preferred antimicrobial in the prophylaxis of TRPB.

E. coli bacterial meningitis after transrectal prostate biopsy under antibiotic prophylaxis: a case report and literature review

Prostate biopsy, a frequently performed procedure, is not harmless. In rare cases, life‐threatening complications occur. We document a potential lethal bacterial meningitis after transrectal biopsy. In addition to our overview of all previously documented cases, we highlight the evidence of prevention of infectious complications when performing a prostate biopsy.

Even after antibiotic prophylaxis, severe infections sometimes follow transrectal prostate biopsy. Involvement of the central nervous system is not well known but demands early recognition. In this situation, intravenous antibiotics with a high penetration through the blood–brain barrier are of vital importance. The most effective preventive measure against infectious complications is to change the biopsy approach to transperineal.

Transperineal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: what the radiologist needs to know

Transperineal ultrasound-guided (TP) prostate biopsy has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of post-procedural sepsis when compared to transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) prostate biopsy. With guidance from the European Urology Association favouring adoption of a TP biopsy route, it is clear that, despite being a more technically challenging procedure, TP biopsy in an outpatient setting will replace TRUS biopsy. This paper gives the reader a succinct summary of outpatient transperineal prostate biopsy under local anaesthetic utilising a free-hand ultrasound technique. Patient preparation and consent process is outlined. A comprehensive pictorial review of the procedure, pitfalls and common post-procedural outcomes is presented. This paper provides a framework and guide for those wishing to adopt the transperineal approach under local anaesthetic.

Comparison of Fluoroquinolones and Other Antibiotic Prophylaxis Regimens for Preventing Complications in Patients Undergoing Transrectal Prostate Biopsy

Our study aimed to compare the incidence of infective complications after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSBx) when adopting different antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens. A multi-institutional cohort of 1150 patients who underwent TRUSBx was retrospectively analyzed. Procedures were performed between 2017 and 2019 (before and after the EMA warning about the use of fluoroquinolones for the antibiotic prophylaxis of patient candidates to TRUSBx). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of infective complications, including sepsis and/or fever. The population was stratified according to the antibiotic prophylaxis adopted: fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, prulifloxacin), cephalosporins (cefixime, ceftriaxone) or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Univariable and multivariable binomial logistic regression models were used to assess the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) testing of the risk of infective complication after adjusting for each prebiopsy covariate. In total, 478 (41.6%) patients received fluoroquinolone-based prophylaxis. Among these, 443 (38.5%), 25 (2.2%) and 10 (0.9%) patients received levofloxacin prophylaxis, ciprofloxacin and prulifloxacin, respectively while 14.6% received cefixime, 20.7% received the comedication of ceftriaxone/fosfomycin and 23.1% received trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and fluoroquinolone regimens were significantly associated with a lower risk of infective complications (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03−0.48, p = 0.003 and OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06−0.43, p < 0.001, respectively). The ceftriaxone/fosfomycin (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.04−0.92, p = 0.04) and fluoroquinolone (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.00−0.70, p = 0.048) prophylaxis were associated with a lower risk of infective sequelae. Fluoroquinolone-based prophylaxis was associated with a lower risk of infective complications after TRUSBx compared to other prophylaxis regimens although its clinical application was recently forbidden by European Medical Agency restrictions.

Role of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Transperineal Prostate Biopsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Context

Objective

Evidence acquisition

Evidence synthesis

Conclusions

Patient summary

Recent Trends in Prostate Biopsy Complication Rates and the Role of Aztreonam in Periprocedural Antimicrobial Prophylaxis—A Nationwide Population-Based Study from Korea

An increase in the rate of complications after prostate biopsy (PB) due to increased antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a global issue. We report the safety of aztreonam as a prophylactic antibiotic in patients undergoing PB. We investigated the complication rates according to several antibiotic regimens, including aztreonam. We hypothesized that PB complications increased following a rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We examined the annual rates of complications among patients in our hospital (clinical cohort) and the Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) cohort. Data regarding complications, hospitalization, emergency room (ER) visits, and febrile urinary tract infections occurring within 2 weeks after PB were recorded. The rate of complications was significantly lower in patients who received oral quinolone and intravenous aztreonam than in those who received oral quinolone. The complication rates did not increase throughout the study period. Additionally, 1754 patients from the HIRA cohort were included. The rates of complications, hospitalizations, and ER visits did not increase among these patients. Oral quinolone combined with intravenous aztreonam reduced the rate of febrile complications compared to quinolone alone and was safe to use after PB. Therefore, we recommend intravenous aztreonam with oral quinolone as a prophylactic antibiotic regimen before PB.

Comprehensive analysis of complications after transperineal prostate biopsy without antibiotic prophylaxis: results of a multicenter trial with 30 days' follow-up

BACKGROUND

To investigate infectious and non-infectious complications after transperineal prostate biopsy (TPB) without antibiotic prophylaxis in a multicenter cohort. Secondly, to identify whether increasing the number of cores was predictive for the occurrence of complications. Thirdly, to examine the relation between TPB and erectile dysfunction.

METHODS

We analyzed a retrospective multicenter cohort of 550 patients from three different urological centers undergoing TPB without antibiotic prophylaxis. The median number of cores was 26. Demographic and clinical data were extracted by reviewing patients' electronic medical records and follow-up data such as postoperative complications obtained by structured phone interviews. To investigate the influence of the number of cores taken on the occurrence of complications, we performed univariate and multivariate mixed effects logistic regression models.

RESULTS

There was no case of sepsis reported. Overall, 6.0% of patients (33/550) presented with any complication besides mild macrohematuria. In all, 46/47 (98%) complications were ≤Grade 2 according to Clavien-Dindo. In multivariate regression analyses, an increased number of cores was associated with overall complications (odds ratio (OR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.14, P = 0.01) and specifically bleeding complications (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11-1.50, P = 0.01) but not with infectious complications (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.97-1.10, P = 0.67). A total of 14.4% of patients referred impairment of erectile function after TPB. Of note, 98% of these men were diagnosed with prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first multicenter trial to investigate complications after TPB without antibiotic prophylaxis. In our study, we found no case of sepsis. This underlines the safety advantage of TPB even without antibiotic prophylaxis and supports the ongoing initiative to abandon TRB of the prostate. A higher number of cores were associated with an increase in overall complications specifically bleeding complications, but not with infectious complications. Post-biopsy erectile dysfunction was mainly present in patients diagnosed with PCa.

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Detection of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer: What Urologists Need to Know. Part 4: Transperineal Magnetic Resonance-Ultrasound Fusion Guided Biopsy Using Local Anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Transperineal magnetic resonance imaging-transrectal ultrasound fusion guided biopsy (MFGB) is an increasingly popular technique due to increasing rates of biopsy-related infections. However, its widespread implementation has been hampered by the supposed necessity of epidural or general anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the technique, feasibility, and results of transperineal MFGB under local anesthesia, in an ambulatory setting without the administration of prophylactic antibiotics.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This single-center study enrolled consecutive biopsy-naïve men with a clinical suspicion of prostate cancer into a prospective database between November 2015 and November 2020. Men with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2 scores 3-5 underwent transperineal MFGB.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Transperineal MFGB was performed in an ambulatory setting under local anesthesia by a single operator.

MEASUREMENTS

Procedure-associated adverse events were recorded. Patient discomfort during both the local anesthesia and the biopsy procedure was determined using a visual analogic scale (0-10). Detection rates of grade group (GG) ≥2 prostate cancer and the proportion of men with GG 1 cancer were assessed.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 1097 eligible men underwent transperineal MFGB. The complication rate was 0.73% (8/1097); complications comprised five (0.46%) urinary tract infections including one hospitalization and three (0.27%) urinary retentions. In 735 men, the median pain scores were 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 2-3) for the local anesthesia procedure and 1 (IQR 0-2) for the biopsy. Prostate cancer was detected in 84% (926/1097) of men; 66% (723/1097) had GG ≥2 and 19% (203/1097) GG 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Transperineal MFGB can safely be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia in an ambulatory setting. The detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer is high, and biopsy is well tolerated. Although no antibiotic prophylaxis was used, the rate of infectious complications is practicably negligible.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This article shows how tissue samples (biopsies) can accurately be obtained from suspicious regions seen on prostate magnetic resonance imaging via needles inserted in the perineum (skin between the scrotum and the anus) in men with suspected prostate cancer. This technique appears to be very well tolerated under local anesthesia and has a lower risk of infection without antibiotic prophylaxis than the more common biopsy route through the rectum, with antibiotics.

Enhanced antibiotic prophylaxis and infection-related complications following prostate biopsy

PURPOSE

Sepsis after prostate biopsy is a costly and potentially lethal complication. We sought to assess whether enhanced antibiotic prophylaxis regimens combining oral and parenteral antibiotics may decrease the risk of post-biopsy urinary tract infection and sepsis compared to regimens with only oral antibiotics.

METHODS

We identified men with commercial insurance who underwent prostate biopsy (2009-2015) with prophylactic antibiotic coverage. Our primary exposure of interest was antibiotic regimen: enhanced, oral-only, and parenteral-only. Post-biopsy outcomes of interest included urinary tract infections and sepsis/bacteremia after prostate biopsy. We used bivariate testing to assess associations between outcomes, exposures, and other covariates of interest. Multivariable regression was used to estimate adjusted odds of infectious outcomes based on antibiotic regimen.

RESULTS

We identified 163,831 men who underwent prostate biopsy. The proportion of men with infectious complications (5.5% in 2009 to 6.9% in 2015, p < 0.001) and sepsis (0.24% in 2009 to 0.30% in 2015, p = 0.327) increased over the timeframe of our analysis. Use of fluoroquinolones was associated with a decreased risk of infectious outcomes (5.8 vs 7.3% without, OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.79-0.88). Use of enhanced antibiotic regimens was associated with an increased risk of infectious outcomes (6.8 vs 5.7% oral, OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.16-1.31) and sepsis (0.34 vs 0.24% oral, OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.08-1.82) among our cohort.

CONCLUSION

We did not observe a significant reduction in infectious complications among men who received enhanced antibiotics regimens before prostate biopsy. This may be due to increased antibiotic resistance or unmeasured risk factors among those receiving enhanced regimens.

Linguistic and clinical validation of the acute cystitis symptom score in German-speaking Swiss women with acute cystitis

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The Global Prevalence Study of Infections in Urinary tract in Community Setting (GPIU.COM) includes epidemiological aspects of acute cystitis (AC) in women in Germany and Switzerland. The primary study relates to the German version of the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS), a self-reporting questionnaire for self-diagnosis and monitoring the symptomatic course of AC in women. The current study aimed to analyze the validity and reliability of the German ACSS in German-speaking female patients with AC in Switzerland.

METHODS

Anonymized patient data were collected and analyzed from women with AC at the first visit (diagnosis) and follow-up visits as baseline and controls, respectively. Data from 97 patients with a median age of 41 years underwent analysis. Psychometric and diagnostic characteristics of the ACSS were measured and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Average internal consistency of the ACSS resulted in a Cronbach's alpha (95% CI) of 0.86 (0.83; 0.89) and did not differ significantly between the Swiss and German cohorts. Diagnostic values of the ACSS for the Swiss cohort were relatively lower than for the German cohort, possible due to discrepancies between definitions of UTI in national guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis showed that the German version of the ACSS is also suitable for use in the German-speaking female population of Switzerland. Minor differences in definitions of AC between German and Swiss guidelines explain the observed discrepancies in diagnostic values of the ACSS between cohorts.

Monoprophylaxis With Cephalosporins for Transrectal Prostate Biopsy After the Fluoroquinolone-Era: A Multi-Institutional Comparison of Severe Infectious Complications

Background

To compare severe infectious complication rates after transrectal prostate biopsies between cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones for antibiotic monoprophylaxis.

Material and Methods

In the multi-institutional cohort, between November 2014 and July 2020 patients received either cefotaxime (single dose intravenously), cefpodoxime (multiple doses orally) or fluoroquinolones (multiple-doses orally or single dose intravenously) for transrectal prostate biopsy prophylaxis. Data were prospectively acquired and retrospectively analyzed. Severe infectious complications were evaluated within 30 days after biopsy. Logistic regression models predicted biopsy-related infectious complications according to antibiotic prophylaxis, application type and patient- and procedure-related risk factors.

Results

Of 793 patients, 132 (16.6%) received a single dose of intravenous cefotaxime and were compared to 119 (15%) who received multiple doses of oral cefpodoxime and 542 (68.3%) who received fluoroquinolones as monoprophylaxis. The overall incidence of severe infectious complications was 1.0% (n=8). No significant differences were observed between the three compared groups (0.8% vs. 0.8% vs. 1.1%, p=0.9). The overall rate of urosepsis was 0.3% and did not significantly differ between the three compared groups as well.

Conclusion

Monoprophylaxis with third generation cephalosporins was efficient in preventing severe infectious complications after prostate biopsy. Single intravenous dose of cefotaxime and multiday regimen of oral cefpodoxime showed a low incidence of infectious complications <1%. No differences were observed in comparison to fluoroquinolones.

Safety and side effects of transperineal prostate biopsy without antibiotic prophylaxis

STUDY AIMS

To investigate safety and side effects of transperineal prostate biopsy without antibiotic prophylaxis. Secondary aim was to identify whether the number of cores influenced the occurrence of complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cohort of 184 patients undergoing perineal prostate biopsy without antibiotic prophylaxis from 2015 to 2017 was analyzed retrospectively. On average, 41 cores were taken via two perineal skin punctures. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from patients´ electronic medical records. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors for complications with the following covariates: age, prostate specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score, history of prostatitis, therapeutic anticoagulation, risk factors for urinary tract infection, surgery duration, and the number of biopsy cores. Furthermore, we calculated chi-squared tests with post hoc analyses for differences in the occurrence of complications between quartiles of the above-mentioned parameters.

RESULTS

The overall complication rate was 10.8% (20/185). Out of 20, 19 (95 %) complications were ≤ grade 2 according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. There were two cases of afebrile urinary tract infection, and no patient developed fever or sepsis. Acute urinary retention was reported in 10 patients (5.4 %). The total number of cores was not associated to infectious complications or acute urinary retention rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Transperineal prostate biopsy without antibiotic prophylaxis is a safe procedure. Neither postoperative fever nor sepsis occurred. An increased number of cores through two skin punctures was not associated with more complications.

The negative aftermath of prostate biopsy: prophylaxis, complications and antimicrobial stewardship: results of the global prevalence study of infections in urology 2010-2019

PURPOSE

To evaluate and report the complications, and to analyse antimicrobial stewardship aspects following prostate biopsies (P-Bx) based on the data from a 9-year global study.

METHODS

The primary outcome was to compare complications after P-Bx between patients of two cohorts: 2010-2014 and 2016-2019. Primary outcomes included symptoms of lower and severe/systemic urinary tract infection (LUTIS and SUTIS, respectively), and positive urine culture. Readmission to hospital after P-Bx, need for additional antimicrobial therapy, consumption of different antimicrobial agents for prophylaxis and therapy were evaluated. Students t test and chi-square test were used for comparative analyses.

RESULTS

Outcome data were available for 1615 men. Fluoroquinolones-based prophylaxis rate increased from 72.0% in 2010-2014 to 78.6% in 2015-2019. Overall rates of complications increased from 6 to 11.7% including an increase in symptomatic complications from 4.7 to 10.2%, mainly due to an increase in LUTIS. Rates of patients seeking additional medical help in primary care after P-Bx increased from 7.4 to 14.4%; cases requiring post P-Bx antibiotic treatment increased from 6.1 to 9.7%, most of which received fluoroquinolones. Transperineal P-Bx was significantly associated with LUTIS. Following transrectal P-Bx, 2.8% developed febrile infections and 4.0% required hospitalisation. Two men (0.12%) died after transrectal P-Bx due to sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

The rates of complications after P-Bx tended to increase in time, as well as rates of patients seeking additional medical help in the post-P-Bx period. To reduce the risk of infectious complications and to comply with the principles of antibiotic stewardship, clinicians should switch to the transperineal biopsy route.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis for endourological interventions considering antibiotic stewardship]

Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in endourology is used to reduce or avoid postoperative surgical site infections and complicated urinary tract infections. Special attention is paid to antibiotic stewardship strategies to avoid the continuing selection of antibiotics and multidrug-resistant uropathogens as well as collateral damage to the microbiome. The individual risk profile, the local resistance situation, the expected pathogen spectrum, the pharmacokinetics and the approval of each substance are important aspects to be considered in the indications and selection of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Furthermore, applicable hygiene regulations and the surgical care of an intervention must be observed.