Patient tolerance of transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate

A noninvasive method for predicting clinically significant prostate cancer using magnetic resonance imaging combined with PRKY promoter methylation level: a machine learning study

BACKGROUND

Traditional process for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCA) diagnosis relies on invasive biopsy and may bring pain and complications. Radiomic features of magnetic resonance imaging MRI and methylation of the PRKY promoter were found to be associated with prostate cancer.

METHODS

Fifty-four Patients who underwent prostate biopsy or photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) from 2022 to 2023 were selected for this study, and their clinical data, blood samples and MRI images were obtained before the operation. Methylation level of two PRKY promoter sites, cg05618150 and cg05163709, were tested through bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). The PI-RADS score of each patient was estimated and the region of interest (ROI) was delineated by 2 experienced radiologists. After being extracted by a plug-in of 3D-slicer, radiomic features were selected through LASSCO regression and t-test. Selected radiomic features, methylation levels and clinical data were used for model construction through the random forest (RF) algorithm, and the predictive efficiency was analyzed by the area under the receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Methylation level of the site, cg05618150, was observed to be associated with prostate cancer, for which the AUC was 0.74. The AUC of T2WI in csPCA prediction was 0.84, which was higher than that of the apparent diffusion coefficient ADC (AUC = 0.81). The model combined with T2WI and clinical data reached an AUC of 0.94. The AUC of the T2WI-clinic-methylation-combined model was 0.97, which was greater than that of the model combined with the PI-RADS score, clinical data and PRKY promoter methylation levels (AUC = 0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

The model combining with radiomic features, clinical data and PRKY promoter methylation levels based on machine learning had high predictive efficiency in csPCA diagnosis.

The effect of heated lidocaine gel on pain reduction during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: a randomized-controlled study

PURPOSE

To determine whether intrarectal local anesthesia (IRLA) with heated lidocaine gel provides pain reduction during transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized-controlled study with 153 participants who underwent TRUS-guided, systematic 12-core prostate biopsy from May 2018 to June 2019. These participants were divided into three test groups. Before prostate biopsy, group A (51 patients) received no local anesthesia, group B (51 patients) received IRLA with 20 mL 2% lidocaine gel stored at room temperature, and group C (51 patients) received IRLA with heated (40 ℃) 20 mL 2% lidocaine gel. Pain was assessed using the 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS) at three time points: VAS-1: during probe insertion, VAS-2: during biopsy, VAS-3: 30 min after the procedure. Complications during and after the procedure were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean VAS-2 score was significantly lower in group C compared to groups A and B (A, 4.6; B, 4.2; and C, 3.2; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference among the three groups in mean VAS-1 and VAS-3 scores. No significant difference was detected in incidence of complications between the three groups. No allergic reactions to lidocaine gel were observed.

CONCLUSION

IRLA with heated lidocaine gel provides more effective pain control during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy than does conventional IRLA and no local anesthesia, without an increase of complications.

Transrectal ultrasound biopsy of the prostate: does it still have a role in prostate cancer diagnosis?

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy of the prostate has been a standard diagnostic approach for prostate cancer over the past thirty years. Today, the role of TRUS biopsy is being challenged by transperineal (TP) prostate biopsy due to concerns over the safety and diagnostic yield of TRUS biopsy. TRUS biopsy still offers a convenient, reliable and accessible tool for diagnosing prostate cancer in the majority of patients. It continues to play a role in prostate cancer diagnosis, especially where hospital resource allocation is limited, including the public sector. TRUS biopsy has low rates of severe complications, although there remains room for improvement in current practice to improve the tolerability and reduce the incidence of post-biopsy infection.

Active monitoring, radical prostatectomy and radical radiotherapy in PSA-detected clinically localised prostate cancer: the ProtecT three-arm RCT

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK. Prostate-specific antigen testing followed by biopsy leads to overdetection, overtreatment as well as undertreatment of the disease. Evidence of treatment effectiveness has lacked because of the paucity of randomised controlled trials comparing conventional treatments.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of conventional treatments for localised prostate cancer (active monitoring, radical prostatectomy and radical radiotherapy) in men aged 50-69 years.

DESIGN

A prospective, multicentre prostate-specific antigen testing programme followed by a randomised trial of treatment, with a comprehensive cohort follow-up.

SETTING

Prostate-specific antigen testing in primary care and treatment in nine urology departments in the UK.

PARTICIPANTS

Between 2001 and 2009, 228,966 men aged 50-69 years received an invitation to attend an appointment for information about the Prostate testing for cancer and Treatment (ProtecT) study and a prostate-specific antigen test; 82,429 men were tested, 2664 were diagnosed with localised prostate cancer, 1643 agreed to randomisation to active monitoring (n = 545), radical prostatectomy (n = 553) or radical radiotherapy (n = 545) and 997 chose a treatment.

INTERVENTIONS

The interventions were active monitoring, radical prostatectomy and radical radiotherapy.

TRIAL PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Definite or probable disease-specific mortality at the 10-year median follow-up in randomised participants.

SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall mortality, metastases, disease progression, treatment complications, resource utilisation and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for 17 prostate cancer-specific (p = 0.48) and 169 all-cause (p = 0.87) deaths. Eight men died of prostate cancer in the active monitoring group (1.5 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval 0.7 to 3.0); five died of prostate cancer in the radical prostatectomy group (0.9 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval 0.4 to 2.2 per 1000 person years) and four died of prostate cancer in the radical radiotherapy group (0.7 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval 0.3 to 2.0 per 1000 person years). More men developed metastases in the active monitoring group than in the radical prostatectomy and radical radiotherapy groups: active monitoring, n = 33 (6.3 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval 4.5 to 8.8); radical prostatectomy, n = 13 (2.4 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 4.2 per 1000 person years); and radical radiotherapy, n = 16 (3.0 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval 1.9 to 4.9 per 1000 person-years; p = 0.004). There were higher rates of disease progression in the active monitoring group than in the radical prostatectomy and radical radiotherapy groups: active monitoring (n = 112; 22.9 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval 19.0 to 27.5 per 1000 person years); radical prostatectomy (n = 46; 8.9 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval 6.7 to 11.9 per 1000 person-years); and radical radiotherapy (n = 46; 9.0 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval 6.7 to 12.0 per 1000 person years; p < 0.001). Radical prostatectomy had the greatest impact on sexual function/urinary continence and remained worse than radical radiotherapy and active monitoring. Radical radiotherapy's impact on sexual function was greatest at 6 months, but recovered somewhat in the majority of participants. Sexual and urinary function gradually declined in the active monitoring group. Bowel function was worse with radical radiotherapy at 6 months, but it recovered with the exception of bloody stools. Urinary voiding and nocturia worsened in the radical radiotherapy group at 6 months but recovered. Condition-specific quality-of-life effects mirrored functional changes. No differences in anxiety/depression or generic or cancer-related quality of life were found. At the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence threshold of £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year, the probabilities that each arm was the most cost-effective option were 58% (radical radiotherapy), 32% (active monitoring) and 10% (radical prostatectomy).

LIMITATIONS

A single prostate-specific antigen test and transrectal ultrasound biopsies were used. There were very few non-white men in the trial. The majority of men had low- and intermediate-risk disease. Longer follow-up is needed.

CONCLUSIONS

At a median follow-up point of 10 years, prostate cancer-specific mortality was low, irrespective of the assigned treatment. Radical prostatectomy and radical radiotherapy reduced disease progression and metastases, but with side effects. Further work is needed to follow up participants at a median of 15 years.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN20141297.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 37. See the National Institute for Health Research Journals Library website for further project information.

Efficacy and safety of a combined anesthetic technique for transrectal prostate biopsy: a single center, prospective, randomized study

Introduction

A transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis of prostatic neoplasia. This exam is associated with pain and discomfort, and numerous methods of analgesia during this procedure have been described. There is still no consensus among urologists about the pain control technique that should be performed, even though the periprostatic basal nerve block is the most studied technique. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the benefit of adding local periapical prostatic anesthesia to the traditional periprostatic basal nerve block during TRUS biopsy.

Material and methods

A total of 70 patients with indication for TRUS biopsy were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 received a periprostatic basal nerve block. Group 2 received both periapical prostatic and periprostatic basal nerve blocks . The pain experienced during different moments of the procedure (introduction of the probe, anesthesia administration, removal of cores and 30 minutes after biopsy) was assessed using visual analog scales of one to ten. The rate of complications at 30 days post-biopsy was also assessed.

Results

The difference in pain during the distinct moments of the TRUS biopsy was not significant between the two groups. There were no significant differences concerning age, level of total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate volume in both groups. There were also no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the occurrence of complications and pathological findings.

Conclusions

The administration of concurent periprostatic basal and periapical nerve blocks has no significant benefits as compared to a periprostatic basal nerve block alone.

Prospective comparison of the novel visual prostate symptom score (VPSS) versus the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), and assessment of patient pain perception with regard to transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy

Objective:

To compare the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and novel Visual Prostate Symptom Score (VPSS) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), to correlate scores with uroflowmetry and prostate volume and assess patient perceptions regarding pain prior to, and after prostate biopsy.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with LUTS who had an indication for transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy were included. Patients completed the IPSS-, VPSS- and prostate biopsy pain assessment questionnaires. Assessment included uroflowmetry, post- void residual volume and prostate volume (measured with TRUS).

Results:

One hundred men were included. There were statistically significant correlations between the VPSS score and IPSS score (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.802); VPSS and Qmax (r = −0.311); VPSS and. Qave (r = −0.344); prostate volume with VPSS (r = 0.194) and Qmax (r = −0.260). The VPSS was quicker to complete than the IPSS (mean 100 vs. 165 seconds). The mean anticipated pain score before biopsy was 2.8 (range 0-6), and after biopsy (experienced pain) it was 1.8 (range 0-5). The pain during biopsy was less than expected in 67% of patients.

Conclusion:

In men with LUTS scheduled to undergo prostate biopsy, the VPSS score correlated positively with the IPSS score. Men with limited education take less time to complete the VPSS. Patient's perception of expected pain or discomfort during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy was significantly higher than the pain actually experienced during biopsy. Men with lower education level had significantly higher expectation of pain prior to biopsy, but similar pain during biopsy.

Comparing use of lidocaine periprostatic nerve block and diclofenac suppository alone for patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy

Introduction

The objective of this study is to make a comparison between the effectiveness of the diclo- fenac suppository alone and periprostatic local anaesthesia infiltration alone to reduce the pain during a transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy procedure.

Material and methods

Between January 2014 and December 2015, 100 patients from two centres who were scheduled for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (TRUS Bx) were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups; diclofenac suppository group (Group 1) and Lidocaine group (Group 2). After the prostate biopsy, patients were requested to fill out a visual analogue scale in order to evaluate their pain level during the procedure.

RESULTS

Since each group had been examined for VAS score, statistical differences were detected for VAS 0 and VAS 1. VAS 0 score was stated in 38 (71%) patients in Group 2, and in 25 (50%) patients in Group 1 (p = 0.040). VAS 1 score was stated in 9 (17%) patients in group 2 and 19 (38%) patients in Group 1 (p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Although statistical difference was detected at lower VAS scores (0 and 1) in favor of the lidocaine group during transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsies, there was not a significant difference in higher (>2) VAS scores; which was made with 100 mg of diclofenac suppository. Therefore, diclofenac suppository can be used as an alternative to periprostatic nerve block made with lidocaine.

Lidocaine gel versus plain lubricating gel for pain reduction during transrectal sonography (LIPS): A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of lidocaine gel and plain lubricating gel in relieving pain during transrectal sonography (TRS) in patients with gynecologic problems.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 80 participants who were scheduled to undergo TRS. The participants were allocated into the lidocaine gel group and the aqueous gel group at a 1:1 ratio. The intensity of pain during TRS based on the visual analogue scale (0-10 points) and the adverse events were assessed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The two groups had similar demographic characteristics. Between the lidocaine and aqueous gel groups, there was no significant difference in the pain score at probe manipulation (4.04±2.14 vs. 4.21±2.79; P=0.868), as well as at baseline, probe insertion, and 5min after probe removal. The degree of acceptability of the sonographer also did not differ between the two groups. No acute and delayed adverse events was occurred.

CONCLUSION

Intrarectal lidocaine gel for TRS provides no analgesic benefit compared with aqueous gel.

Lateral decubitus position vs. lithotomy position: which is the best way to minimize patient's pain perception during transrectal prostate biopsy?

Introduction

Considering the distinctive nature in terms of psychological stress and anal tone of position which is generally selected between lithotomy and left lateral decubitus (LLD), we postulated its effect on pain perception during biopsy, and investigated their association.

Materials and Methods

A prospective study for comparison of two biopsy positions which were perform in a different working day was conducted for 208 men (lithotomy position=86, LLD=122). The decision on the position was made solely based on the patient’s preference for the biopsy day, and all procedures were performed according to the identical protocol (12-core biopsy with intrarectal lidocaine gel), probe, and needle. The maximal degree of pain during the entire process was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), immediately after biopsy. After propensity matching, a total of 152 patients were finally selected (lithotomy group=76, LLD=76), then peri-biopsy parameters were compared.

Results

Between groups, no differences were observed across all variables including age, obesity, prostate volume, serum PSA, international prostate symptom score, and cancer detection rate, except mean (±standard deviation) VAS score (3.89±2.01 vs. 4.58±2.22, p=0.049). VAS score showed significant association solely with patient’s position (Pearson’s coefficient=-0.165, p=0.042). In multiple linear regression models regarding the effect of clinical variables on VAS score, patient position was a single independent predictor favoring lithotomy position to decrease perceived pain (B=-0.928, p=0.024).

Conclusions

These data suggest lithotomy position as a proper way to perform transrectal prostate biopsy with routine use of topical lidocaine gel in comparison with conventional LLD position.

Comparison of the Effect of Lidocaine versus a Lidocaine-Bupivacaine Combination in a Periprostatic Nerve Block Undergoing Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

To determine whether a combination of the long acting local anesthetic, bupivacaine, and lidocaine is better than lidocaine alone in the long-term pain control, which is a short-acting anesthetic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In group 1, periprostatic nerve block was applied to both neurovascular areas with 2% lidocaine (5 ml) in an isotonic solution (5 ml). In group 2, the combination of 2% lidocaine (5 ml) and 5mg/ml bupivacaine (5 ml) was used for the PPNB.

RESULTS

In the first 30 minutes the mean VAS scores of groups 1 and 2 were 2.1 ± 0.2 and 1.2 ± 0.1, respectively (p = 0.002). VAS scores of group II determined at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after the biopsy were significantly lower since it was (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

While periprostatic nerve block for late phase pain control, applying a combination of a long-acting local anesthetic, such as bupivacaine, is effective in terms of pain control and patient comfort.

Effective Concentration of Lidocaine Plus Fentanyl for Caudal Block in Patients Undergoing Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Prostate Biopsy

Objective. This study determined the effective concentration (EC) of lidocaine plus 75 μg fentanyl for caudal block in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy. Methods. Consecutive male patients scheduled for TRUS guided prostate biopsy were enrolled. The mixed solution for caudal block contained lidocaine and 75 μg fentanyl, in total 20 mL. The concentration of lidocaine was determined using the up-and-down method, starting at 0.8% (a step size of 0.1%). A successful caudal block was defined by no pain perception during biopsy. The EC50 of lidocaine for successful caudal block was calculated and side effects were evaluated. Results. A total of 23 patients were recruited. The EC50 of lidocaine for successful caudal block was 0.53%. Conclusions. Lidocaine of 0.53% combined with 75 μg fentanyl resulted in excellent caudal block in 50% of male patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy.

Advantages of caudal block over intrarectal local anesthesia plus periprostatic nerve block for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy

Objective:

To compare caudal block with intrarectal local anesthesia plus periprostatic nerve block for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy.

Methods:

One hundred and ninety patients scheduled for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy were randomized equally into Group-A who received caudal block (20 ml 1.2% lidocaine) and Group-B who received intrarectal local anesthesia (0.3% oxybuprocaine cream) plus periprostatic nerve block (10 ml 1% lidocaine plus 0.5% ropivacaine) before biopsy. During and after the procedure, the patients rated the level of pain/discomfort at various time points. Complications during the whole study period and the patient overall satisfaction were also evaluated.

Results:

More pain and discomfort was detected during periprostatic nerve block than during caudal block. Pain and discomfort was significantly lower during prostate biopsy and during the manipulation of the probe in the rectum in Group-A than in Group-B. No significant differences were detected in the pain intensity after biopsy and side effects between the two groups.

Conclusions:

Caudal block provides better anesthesia than periprostatic nerve block plus intrarectal local anesthesia for TRUS guided prostate biopsy without an increase of side effects.

MRI-guided core needle biopsy of the prostate: acceptance and side effects

PURPOSE

We aimed to study side effects, complications, and patient acceptance of magnetic resonance imaging-guided real-time biopsy (MRI-GB) of the prostate.

METHODS

Fifty-four men (49-78 years) with elevated prostate-specific antigen after at least one negative systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS-GB) were included in a prospective clinical study. Suspicious areas on images were selectively sampled by obtaining a median of four specimens (range, 1-9 specimens) using MRI-GB. In TRUS-GB, a median of 10 specimens (range, 6-14 specimens) were obtained. Telephone interviews were conducted one week after outpatient MRI-GB, asking patients about pain and side effects (hematuria, hemospermia, rectal bleeding, fever, and chills) of the two biopsy procedures and which of the two procedures they preferred. Multinomial regression analysis and Fisher's exact test was used to test for differences.

RESULTS

MRI-GB was preferred by 65% (35/54), and 82% (44/54) would undergo MRI-GB again. Pain intensity (P = 0.005) and bleeding duration (P = 0.004) were significantly lower for MRI-GB compared with TRUS-GB. Hematuria was less common after MRI-GB compared with TRUS-GB (P = 0.006). A high correlation was given between bleeding intensity and bleeding duration for TRUS-GB (r=0.77) and pain intensity and pain duration for MRI-GB (r=0.65). Although hemospermia, rectal hemorrhage, fever, and chills were less common in MRI, they showed no statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSION

MRI-GB of the prostate seems to have fewer side effects and less pain intensity than TRUS-GB and was preferred by the majority of patients.

Intravenous paracetamol for relief of pain during transrectal-ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Transrectal-ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PBx) is the standard procedure for diagnosing prostate cancer. The procedure does cause some pain and discomfort; therefore, an adequate analgesia is necessary to ensure patient comfort, which can also facilitate good-quality results. This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to determine if intravenous (IV) paracetamol can reduce the severity of pain associated with TRUS-PBx. The study included 104 patients, scheduled to undergo TRUS-PBx with a suspicion of prostate cancer, that were prospectively randomized to receive either IV paracetamol (paracetamol group) or placebo (placebo group) 30 minutes prior to TRUS-PBx. All patients had 12 standardized biopsy samples taken. Pain was measured using a 10-point visual analog pain scale during probe insertion, during the biopsy procedure, and 1 hour postbiopsy. All biopsies were performed by the same urologist, whereas a different urologist administered the visual analog pain scale. There were not any significant differences in age, prostate-specific antigen level, or prostate volume between the two groups. The pain scores were significantly lower during probe insertion, biopsy procedure, and 1 hour postbiopsy in the paracetamol group than in the placebo group. In conclusion, the IV administration of paracetamol significantly reduced the severity of pain associated with TRUS-PBx.

Combination of Tramadol and Lidocaine for Pain Control During Transrectal Ultrasound-guided Prostate Biopsy: A Randomized Double-blinded Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of tramadol, lidocaine, and a combination of tramadol with lidocaine in pain relief using periprostatic nerve block technique by guidance of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) before the prostate biopsy (PBx).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the indication of TRUS-PBx, the patients with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level >4.0 ng/mL or abnormal digital examination findings were selected. The patients were randomized through random method. Group 1: patients were administered 5 mL of 2% lidocaine; group 2: patients were administered 5 mL of 25-mg tramadol; and group 3: patients were administered 5 mL of 2% lidocaine + 25-mg tramadol. The procedures were completed in 10 minutes, and a visual pain scale was administered to the patients to question the pain severity.

RESULTS

TRUS-guided PBx was performed in 60 patients with an age range of 57-77 years (mean age, 66.2 ± 7.49 years) and a PSA range of 1-1000 ng/mL. The mean PSA level of the groups was 28.5 (±7.5), 16.1 (±5.0), and 14.9 (±2.9) ng/mL, respectively. The postprocedural pain scores by visual pain scale were 4.6 ± 1.2, 5.4 ± 1.2, and 3.6 ± 0.9 in lidocaine, tramadol, and lidocaine + tramadol groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Periprostatic nerve block is the current golden standard method owing to pain management and comfort provided, independent of the patient age and the number of core biopsies. We suggest that tramadol may also be used in this field to achieve better pain management by improving lidocaine's effect or as an alternative to lidocaine.

Local anesthesia type affects cancer detection rate in transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy

PURPOSE

Studies about the anesthesia techniques during transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) are usually focused on pain relief. Although patients' tolerance is an important issue in TRUS-Bx, cancer detection rate (CDR) must not be ignored. In this study, we compared the impact of intrarectal lidocaine gel anesthesia (IRLA) and periprostatic nerve blockade (PNB) techniques on CDR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 422 patients underwent 10 core-TRUS-Bx because of elevated serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level (>2.5ng/mL) and/or suspicious digital rectal examination findings. Patients were divided into two groups according to the applied anesthesia technique: IRLA group and PNB group. Age, serum PSA level, prostate volume, visual analogue scale (VAS) score and CDR were recorded and compared statistically with chi square and unpaired t-tests.

RESULTS

Of the patients 126/422 (29.9%) underwent TRUS-Bx by using IRLA whereas 296/422 (70.1 %) by PNB technique. The mean, age, serum PSA level and prostate volume were similar between the two groups. CDR was 19.8% and 25.4% in IRLA and PNB groups, respectively (p=0.001). The mean VAS score of the PNB group (1.84±0.89) was significantly lower than that for IRLA group (3.62±1.06) (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed that PNB is superior to IRLA in terms of CDR. Further studies are required to confirm our findings.

Three different anesthesia techniques for a comfortable prostate biopsy

Aim:

In this paper, we aimed to compare the efficacy of three different anesthesia techniques applied in 90 cases of which transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) -guided prostate biopsies were taken.

Materials and Methods:

Between February 2012 and July 2012, TRUS-guided 16 core biopsies were taken from 90 patients who comply the study criteria. Patients were randomly divided into three groups each of which consists of 30 individuals. Group 1: Was applied periprostatic block anesthesia; Group 2: Was administered intrarectal lidocaine gel; Group 3: Was applied pudendal block. Visual analog scale (VAS) of patients in groups was evaluated.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between the mean ages, prostate-specific antigen values of three groups. Although pain ratings of Groups 2 and 3 were high, no significant difference was present between each other (P > 0.05). In Groups 1 and 2, the difference between VASs was significant. In the group where periprostatic block was applied, pain ratings were significantly low compared with the other two groups (P = 0.0001).

Discussion:

Enabling pain and discomfort control in patients is very important during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. In our study, we observed that the periprostatic block enables more comfortable compared with patient groups with intrarectal lidocaine gel and pudendal block and better reduction in pain scores.

Procedural sedation and analgesia as an adjunct to periprostatic nerve block for prostate biopsy: A prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

To assess whether patient comfort could be increased by adding procedural sedation and analgesia (PSAA) to periprostatic nerve block (PNB) in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostatic biopsy (TRUS-PB).

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized (1:2) trial comparing PNB with the combination of PSAA+PNB in patients undergoing TRUS-PB. PNB was achieved by using lidocaine gel and lidocaine and bipuvacaine infiltration. PSAA-treated patients received midazolam and remifentanil. All biopsies were standardized and performed in a fully equipped endourology suite. PSAA was delivered by an anesthesiology nurse in the presence and availability of an anesthesiologist. An orally administered numeric scale of 0-10 was used to assess the patient's pain, and a visual scale of 0-4 was used to quantify their satisfaction. Pain and satisfaction scores were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Data on 331 patients were analyzed: 235 received PNB, and 96 received PSAA+PNB. Distribution within the groups by age, prostate-specific antigen serum levels, prostate volume, and number of cores obtained was similar. Airway insertion was required in 4 of 96 patients in PSAA+PNB arm (4%), with no other complications related to sedation. The average pain level was significantly lower in the PSAA+PNB group than it was in the PNB group (0.88 versus 1.31; p = 0.008). The satisfaction level was high (3.5) and alike in the two groups; however, significantly more patients reported a perfect score of 4 in the PSAA+PNB arm (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

PSAA with midazolam and remifentanil used as an adjunct to the standard PNB is safe and effective during TRUS-PB. Patients undergoing PSAA in addition to PNB experienced significantly less pain and higher satisfaction scores than did those given PNB alone.

Intrarectal ice application prior to transrectal prostate biopsy: a prospective randomised trial accessing pain and collateral effects

Objectives

To analyze the efficacy of intrarectal ice application as an anesthetic method prior to transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy.

Materials and Methods

A total of 120 consecutive men were included into the study prospectively. Patients were equally randomized as group 1 and 2 with 60 patients each. Ice was applied as an anesthetic method 5 minutes before procedure to the patients in group 1. Patients in group 2 were applied 10 ml of 2% lidocaine gel 10 minutes before procedure. Twelve core biopsy procedure was performed for all patients. The pain level was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

Median pain score was 3.5 (1-8) in group 1 and 5 (1-8) in group 2. There is significantly difference between groups regarding the mean sense of pain level during the procedure. (p=0.007) There was also no difference in complications between two groups about presence and duration of macroscopic hematuria and rectal bleeding.

Conclusions

Intrarectal ice application prior to TRUS prostate biopsy has an effect on reducing pain. Development of new techniques about cold effect or ice can make this method more useful and decrease complication rates.

Inhalation analgesia with nitrous oxide versus other analgesic techniques in hysteroscopic polypectomy: a pilot study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To show the decrease in pain and better tolerance to inhalation analgesia with a 50% equimolar mixture of nitrogen protoxide and oxygen in hysteroscopic polypectomy compared with paracervical anesthesia and a control group.

DESIGN

One hundred six patients scheduled for office hysteroscopy and polypectomy were divided into the following 3 groups: the control group, the nitrous oxide group, and the paracervical infiltration group. Patients were assigned sequentially (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).

SETTING

The study took place in a hysteroscopy outpatient clinic under the supervision of a gynecologist and 2 nurses trained to cooperate in the trial.

PATIENTS

One hundred six women from Area III of Madrid Community, Spain, who had been diagnosed with endometrial polyps at a gynecology office and were scheduled for office hysteroscopy and polypectomy agreed to participate in the study.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients in group 1 (control group) received no treatment. Group 2 received inhaled nitrous oxide and group 3 paracervical infiltration with 1% lidocaine.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (0-10). Pain perceived by patients was lower in the nitrous Oxide group (mean: 3.55 ± 0.60, median: 3) versus the control group (mean: 5.49 ± 1.88, median: 6, p < .05) and the paracervical infiltration group (mean: 4.22 ± 1.73, median: 5). Tolerance to pain, assessed by the medical staff using qualitative variables, was bad for the control group, very good for the nitrous oxide group, and good for the paracervical infiltration group (p < .05). There were no complications in 82% of the patients in the nitrous oxide group, whereas in the paracervical infiltration group, there were complications in more than 50% of the patients. No severe complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective analgesic technique for polipectomy office hysteroscopy compared with the paracervical infiltration and control groups.

Identifying the variables associated with pain during transrectal ultrasonography of the prostate

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate the degree of pain experienced by the patients receiving transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) of the prostate by applying a visual analog scale. We also identified the clinical parameters influencing pain during the TRUS examination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records were obtained from a prospective database for male patients who received TRUS of prostate in the outpatient department of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, from January 2014 to June 2014. The patients underwent a detailed physical examination and medical history review. Immediately after the TRUS examination, the patients completed questionnaires based on a ten-point visual analog pain scale. The variables of interest were age, body mass index, prostate volume, prostate sagittal length, prostate-specific antigen, previous TRUS experience, external hemorrhoids, anal surgical history, prostate calcification, and image artifact caused by stool in the rectum. All variables were correlated to the visual analog scale by applying multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

By using linear regression analysis, we identified the independent factors that affected the pain score during the TRUS examination. The patients who received the examination for the first time or had longer prostate sagittal lengths, external hemorrhoids, anal surgical history, or stool stored in the rectum experienced more pain during the TRUS examination. Furthermore, the pain was reduced when we provided the patients with a detailed explanation before the procedure and allowed them to observe the real-time images during the examination.

CONCLUSION

Although a TRUS examination is uncomfortable for patients, after having identified the factors affecting pain, physicians can assist patients in reducing pain during the procedure, thus providing higher quality examinations.

Listening to music during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy decreases anxiety, pain and dissatisfaction in patients: a pilot randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether listening to music during transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided 12-core needle prostate biopsy decreases anxiety, pain and dissatisfaction among patients and results in a more comfortable and better tolerated procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

76 male patients who underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsy between March 2013 and June 2014 were randomized into the following groups: no music (group I, n = 38) or classical music (group II, n = 38) during the procedure. Before TRUS-guided prostate biopsy, lidocaine gel was instilled into the rectum. Patient anxiety levels were quantified using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. A visual analog scale (0-10) was used for self-assessment of satisfaction, discomfort and willingness among patients to have a repeat TRUS-guided prostate biopsy.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics, mean age, procedure duration and procedure indications did not differ statistically between the two groups. The mean anxiety level and mean pain score of group II were significantly lower than those of group I (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Group II also had a significantly higher mean satisfaction score than group I (p = 0.007). Before the procedure, heart rate and systolic blood pressure were similar in groups I and II; however, after the procedure, levels were lower in group II than in group I (heart rate, p = 0.014; systolic blood pressure, p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Listening to music during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy significantly reduced patients' feelings of pain, discomfort and dissatisfaction. Music can serve as a simple, inexpensive and effective adjunct to sedation during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. We recommend playing music during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy.

Pain during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy and the role of periprostatic nerve block: what radiologists should know

Early prostate cancers are best detected with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided core biopsy of the prostate. Due to increased longevity and improved prostate cancer screening, more men are now subjected to TRUS-guided biopsy. To improve the detection rate of early prostate cancer, the current trend is to increase the number of cores obtained. The significant pain associated with the biopsy procedure is usually neglected in clinical practice. Although it is currently underutilized, the periprostatic nerve block is an effective technique to mitigate pain associated with prostate biopsy. This article reviews contemporary issues pertaining to pain during prostate biopsy and discusses the practical aspects of periprostatic nerve block.

Complications of prostate biopsy

Biopsy of the prostate is a common procedure with minor complications that are usually self-limited. However, if one considers that millions of men undergo biopsy worldwide, one realizes that although complication rate is low, the number of patients suffering from biopsy complications should not be underestimated and can be a clinically relevant problem for healthcare professionals. In this review, the authors present diagnosis and management of postbiopsy of prostate complications. Bleeding is the most common complication observed after prostate biopsy, but the use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is not an absolute contraindication to prostate biopsy. Emerging resistance to ciprofloxacin is the most probable cause of the increasing risk of infectious complications after prostate biopsy. Even though extremely rare, fatal complications are possible and were described in case reports.

[The local anesthesia for the prostatic biopsies echo-guided: forward-looking randomized study comparing two methods]

INTRODUCTION

The realization of the prostatic biopsies is a painful act. The objective of our work was to compare the analgesic efficiency of the injection of the lidocaine at the level of periprostatics laterals and apical areas compared with the use of gel of lidocaine intrarectal associated with the taking of oral tramadol.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between November 2007 and December 2009, 60 patients admitted in the service of urology of the university hospital Mohammed VI of Marrakesh for prostatic biopsies were randomized in two groups. The group 1 (30 patients) received two tablets from tramadol 50mg with 10 mL of gel of lidocaine 2% intrarectal while 30 patients of the group 2 received 10 mL from lidocaine 2% injected at the level of periprostatics laterals and apicales. The pain was estimated by a visual analog scale (AVS) at the introduction of the probe of echography (AVS 1), at the time of the biopsy (AVS 2) and 20 minutes later (AVS 3).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between both groups concerning AVS 1 means. The average score of the pain was significantly lower in the group 2 for the AVS 2 and AVS 3.

CONCLUSION

The periprostatics anesthesia assured a better control of the pain at the time of the prostatic biopsy and 20 minutes later, without increase of the complications. We recommend it to decrease the pain and the discomfort related to this technique.

MRI-guided biopsy for prostate cancer detection: a systematic review of current clinical results

In-bore magnetic resonance-guided biopsy (MRGB) has been increasingly used in clinical practice to detect prostate cancer (PCa). This review summarizes the current clinical results of this biopsy method. A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed and Embase databases. Of 2,035 identified records, 49 required full review. In all, ten unique studies reporting clinical results of MRGB could be included. Reported PCa detection rates ranged from 8 to 59 % (median 42 %). The majority of tumors detected by MRGB were clinically significant (81-93 %). Most frequent complications of MRGB are transient hematuria (1-24 %) and short-term perirectal bleeding (11-17 %). Major complications are rare. Based on the reviewed literature, MRGB can be regarded an accurate and safe diagnostic tool to detect clinically significant PCa. However, as general availability is limited, this procedure should be reserved for specific patients. Appropriate indications will have to be determined.

Pain related and overall morbidity with TRUS guided prostate biopsy--a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To assess analgesia requirement after trans-rectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy(TRUSBx) for appropriate counselling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospectively, successive patients undergoing TRUSBx between July 2009 and November 2011 were given questionnaires prior to procedure. Standard 12-core TRUSBx under peri-prostatic block (10 mL of 1% lidocaine) and antibiotic prophylaxis (oral ciprofloxacin, intravenous gentamicin and metronidazole suppository) were performed. Pain perception was assessed using a Visual Analogue Score (VAS).

RESULTS

Mean (range) age of the 405 patients was 67.3 years (48-88). Mean VAS during the procedure was 2.93 and 2.20 on reaching home. Mean maximum VAS for the cohort on day 1 and day 2 were 1.27 and 0.7 respectively. 140 (35%) were independent with some or minimal discomfort. 14 patients required assistance for some of their basic daily needs. 9 patients (2.2%) were hospitalised due to sepsis. 131 patients (32.4%) required additional oral analgesia following TRUSBx on days 0, 1 and 2. These patients were generally younger with a mean age for this group of 63.6 years (46-88). The difference in the mean age between those self-medicating and not was not statistically significant (p > 0.005). This group had mean VAS during the procedure of 4 and when patients reached home was 3.5. Mean maximum VAS on day 1 and 2 was 2.1 and 1.3 respectively. 11 patients required assistance from another adult.

CONCLUSION

A third of patients required self-medicated analgesia post-procedure. Age alone cannot be used as a criterion to identify patients who will subsequently require analgesia post-procedure, but a higher VAS during the procedure may be indicative. These patients must be counselled appropriately.

A prospective study on pain score with transperineal prostatic gold seed fiducial implantation under local anesthetic alone

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to monitor patient pain score with transperineal prostatic gold seed implantation in the absence of conscious sedation.

METHODS

All patients who were scheduled for image-guided external beam radiation (IGRT) and referred for gold seed fiducials were eligible to participate. Gold seed implants were performed by two radiation oncologists between December 2007 and April 2008. Patients received only local and deep anesthetic. No patients had prophylactic IV cannulation for the procedure. Three gold seeds were inserted transperineally into the prostate. A visual analogue scale from 0 to 10 was used to assess the pain at baseline, local and deep anesthetic infiltration, with each seed drop, and after the completion of the procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients were accrued to this study. The highest recorded increase in pain score was at the time point of deep local anesthesia, at which the mean pain score was 3.8. The mean pain scores at each seed drop were 0.8 (standard deviation [SD]=1.24), 1 (SD=1.26), and 0.5 (SD=0.90), respectively. All gold seed insertion procedures were well-tolerated, with no patients having significant pain post-procedure, and no significant procedural complications. There were only slight increases in dysuria, urinary frequency, constipation, urinary retention and flatulence in 7 patients - none of which required intervention.

INTERPRETATION

Transperineal ultrasound-guided gold seed implantation without conscious sedation is well-tolerated and associated with a low complication rate. It is a convenient outpatient procedure obviating the need for resource intensive postoperative monitoring.

Identification of the variables associated with pain during transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy in the era of periprostatic nerve block: the role of transrectal probe configuration

OBJECTIVE

To identify the different factors that are associated with pain perceived during transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy (PBx), with special focus on the role of transrectal probe configuration.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed prospective data on 1114 patients undergoing TRUS-guided PBx at our institute from January 2007 to August 2010. Patients completed questionnaires based on a 10-point visual analogue pain scale related to the consecutive steps of PBx: probe insertion, application of periprostatic nerve block (PPNB) and the obtaining of PBx cores. The variables of interest were age, prostate volume, DRE findings, number of previous biopsies, probe type and the number of retrieved cores. All variables were correlated to pain scores using multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

At the probe insertion step, end-fire probes were more painful than side-fire probes. The Siemens G50 with metal, short plastic and long plastic needle guides (Siemens, Munich, Germany) had higher pain scores than the B&K probe (Bruel & Kjaer Medical, Copenhagen, Denmark; P = 0.09, 0.008 and 0.003, respectively). For pain at the PPNB application step, all G50(TM) guide subtypes and the Sonoline Prima probe (Siemens) had higher pain scores than the B&K probe, but this only reached statistical significance for the G50(TM) probe with short plastic guide (P = 0.03). On obtaining PBx cores, all G50(TM) subtypes had higher pain scores when compared with the B&K probe (P = 0.59, 0.38 and 0.69, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The probe design and needle guide affect pain during each step of TRUS-guided PBx. Both the B&K and Sonoline Prima probes caused less pain when compared with the G50(TM) probe, regardless of needle guide.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of topical diltiazem and nitroglycerine for pain relief during transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Transrectal ultrasound biopsy of prostate is a painful procedure. The introduction of the rectal probe is one of the major contributors to the pain associated with this procedure. Drugs that relax the anal sphincter should theoretically decrease this pain. This study was done to compare the efficacy and safety of two topical medications that relax the anal sphincter, diltiazem and nitroglycerine, in decreasing the pain associated with transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

66 patients who were to undergo their first prostate biopsy were randomized to receive either 2 mL of 2 % topical diltiazem or 2 mL of 0.2 % topical nitroglycerine or placebo 20 minutes before prostate biopsy. All patients also received 15 mL of intrarectal lignocaine. A 10-point visual analogue score was used to record the pain immediately after the insertion of the probe, during biopsy and at the end of the procedure.

RESULTS

The pain scores due to probe insertion, during biopsy and at the end of the procedure in patients who received topical diltiazem or nitroglycerine were significantly lower compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the pain scores between the patients receiving diltiazem compared to those receiving nitroglycerine. Higher incidence of headache and fall in blood pressure was noted in patients who received nitroglycerine compared to those receiving diltiazem.

CONCLUSION

Topical diltiazem and nitroglycerine are equally effective in reducing the pain associated with transrectal prostatic biopsy. Diltiazem is safer compared to nitroglycerine.

Entonox® inhalation to reduce pain in common diagnostic and therapeutic outpatient urological procedures: a review of the evidence

INTRODUCTION

Entonox(®) (50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen; BOC Healthcare, Manchester, UK) is an analgesic and anxiolytic agent that is used to successfully reduce pain and anxiety during dental, paediatric and emergency department procedures. In this article we review the application and efficacy of Entonox(®) in painful local anaesthesia urological procedures by performing a systematic review of the literature.

METHODS

A MEDLINE(®) search was performed using the terms 'nitrous oxide', 'Entonox', 'prostate biopsy', 'flexible cystoscopy' and 'extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy'. English language publications of randomised studies were identified and reviewed.

RESULTS

The search yielded five randomised studies that investigated the clinical efficacy of Entonox(®) as an analgesic for day case urological procedures. Three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigated Entonox(®) in transrectal ultrasonography guided prostate biopsy. All three reported significant reductions in pain score in the Entonox(®) versus control groups. One RCT reported significant reduction in pain during male flexible cystoscopy in the Entonox(®) group compared with the control group. One RCT, which examined the use of Entonox(®) during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, found its use significantly decreased the pain score compared with the control group and this was comparable to intravenous pethidine.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from varied adult and paediatric procedures has shown Entonox(®) to be an effective, safe and patient acceptable form of analgesia. All published studies of its use in urological day case procedures have found it to significantly reduce procedural pain. There is huge potential to use this cheap, safe, effective analgesic in our current practice.

Short term outcomes of prostate biopsy in men tested for cancer by prostate specific antigen: prospective evaluation within ProtecT study

OBJECTIVES

To measure the effect of the adverse events within 35 days of transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy from the perspective of asymptomatic men having prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing; to assess early attitude to re-biopsy; to estimate healthcare resource use associated with adverse events due to biopsy; and to develop a classification scheme for reporting adverse events after prostate biopsy.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study (Prostate Biopsy Effects: ProBE) nested within Prostate Testing for Cancer and Treatment (ProtecT) study. Participants Between 1999 and 2008, 227,000 community dwelling men aged 50-69 years were identified at 352 practices and invited to counselling about PSA testing. 111,148 attended a nurse led clinic in the community, and 10,297 with PSA concentrations of 3-20 ng/mL were offered biopsy within ProtecT. Between February 2006 and May 2008, 1147/1753 (65%) eligible men (mean age 62.1 years, mean PSA 5.4 ng/mL) having 10 core transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy under antibiotic cover in the context of ProtecT were recruited to the ProBE study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Purpose designed questionnaire administered at biopsy and 7 and 35 days after the procedure to measure frequency and effect of symptoms related to pain, infection, and bleeding; patients' attitude to repeat biopsy assessed immediately after biopsy and 7 days later; participants' healthcare resource use within 35 days of biopsy evaluated by questionnaire, telephone follow-up, and medical note review; each man's adverse event profile graded according to symptoms and healthcare use.

RESULTS

Pain was reported by 429/984 (43.6%), fever by 172/985 (17.5%), haematuria by 642/976 (65.8%), haematochezia by 356/967 (36.8%), and haemoejaculate by 605/653 (92.6%) men during the 35 days after biopsy. Fewer men rated these symptoms as a major/moderate problem-71/977 (7.3%) for pain, 54/981 (5.5%) for fever, 59/958 (6.2%) for haematuria, 24/951 (2.5%) for haematochezia, and 172/646 (26.6%) for haemoejaculate. Immediately after biopsy, 124/1142 (10.9%, 95% confidence interval 9.2 to 12.8) men reported that they would consider further biopsy a major or moderate problem: seven days after biopsy, this proportion had increased to 213/1085 (19.6%, 17.4% to 22.1%). A negative attitude to repeat biopsy was associated with unfavourable experience after the first biopsy, particularly pain at biopsy (odds ratio 8.2, P<0.001) and symptoms related to infection (7.9, P<0.001) and bleeding (4.2, P<0.001); differences were evident between centres (P<0.001). 119/1147 (10.4%, 8.7% to 12.3%) men reported consultation with a healthcare professional (usually their general practitioner), most commonly for infective symptoms. Complete data for all index symptoms at all time points were available in 851 participants. Symptoms and healthcare use could be used to grade these men as follows: grade 0 (no symptoms/contact) 18 (2.1%, 1.3% to 3.3%); grade 1 (minor problem/no contact) 550 (64.6%, 61.4% to 67.8%); grade 2 (moderate/major problem or contact) 271 (31.8%, 28.8% to 35.1%); grade 3 (hospital admission) 12 (1.4%, 0.8% to 2.4%); and grade 4 (death) 0. Grade of adverse event was associated with an unfavourable attitude to repeat biopsy (Kendall's τ-b ordinal by ordinal 0.29, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study with a high response rate of 89% at 35 days in men undergoing biopsy in the context of a randomised controlled trial has shown that although prostate biopsy is well tolerated by most men, it is associated with significant symptoms in a minority and affects attitudes to repeat biopsy and primary care resource use. These findings will inform men who seek PSA testing for detection of prostate cancer and assist their physicians during counselling about the potential risks and effect of biopsy. Variability in the adverse event profile between centres suggests that patients' outcomes could be improved and healthcare use reduced with more effective administration of local anaesthetic and antibiotics. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN20141297.

Effect of Oral Administration of Acetaminophen and Topical Application of EMLA on Pain during Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy

Purpose

Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is the procedure of choice for diagnosing prostate cancer. We compared with pain-relieving effect of acetaminophen, a known drug for enhancing the pain-relieving effect of tramadol, and eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA), a local anesthetic agent, with that of the conventional periprostatic nerve block method.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study. A total of 430 patients were randomly assigned to three groups. Group 1 received a periprostatic nerve block with 1% lidocaine, group 2 received acetaminophen 650 mg, and group 3 received EMLA cream for pain control. All patients were given 50 mg of tramadol intravenously 30 minutes before the procedure. At 3 hours after completion of the procedure, the patients were asked to grade their pain on a horizontal visual analogue scale (VAS). The patients were also asked whether they were willing to undergo future biopsy if required.

Results

There were no significant differences between the three groups in terms of age, prostate-specific antigen, prostate size, or numbers of biopsy cores. The pain scores for groups 2 and group 3, which were 3.47±1.92 and 3.50±1.36, respectively, were similar and were significantly lower than that of group 1, which was 5.24±2.07.

Conclusions

Acetaminophen and EMLA cream with intravenous injection of tramadol are safe, easy, and effective methods of controlling pain during the procedure. These methods were more effective for pain relief than was the conventional periprostatic nerve block method.

Efficacy and cost analysis of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy under monitored anesthesia

Sedation may result in reduction in pain during transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsies. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of propofol and remifentanil infusion during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy and the related increases in health care costs. From January to September 2010, 100 men undergoing a transrectal prostate biopsy were randomized into two groups. In Group 1, 50 patients received a combined infusion of propofol and remifentanil; in Group 2, 50 patients received lidocaine jelly. After TRUS-guided biopsies were performed, pain and patient satisfaction were evaluated by a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS), and a cost-related patient satisfaction questionnaire was completed by all patients. Patients were also asked whether they would be willing to undergo repeat biopsy by the same method. Patients in Group 1 showed a significantly lower VAS score than those in Group 2 (mean VAS score: 0.9±1.1 versus 6.3±2.5; P<0.001). In addition, the patient satisfaction scale was significantly higher in Group 1 (P=0.002). Although the overall cost was significantly higher in Group 1 (P=0.006), patient satisfaction scales considering cost were also higher in this group (P=0.009). A combination of propofol and remifentanil is a safe and effective way to decrease patient pain and increase patient satisfaction during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. Although the costs were higher in the group that received sedation, as expected, the patients exhibited heightened satisfaction and willingness to repeat biopsies by the same method.

Value and Safety of Midazolam Anesthesia during Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy

PURPOSE

Although transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is useful for diagnosing prostate cancer, it is a painful procedure. There are many methods for providing pain relief and for treating discomfort during the procedure, but occasionally these are reported to be of limited use. We aimed to evaluate the value and safety of midazolam-induced anesthetic transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 2008 to December 2009, 104 male patients, who were examined with transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate 12-core biopsy, were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 (n=51) received ketorolac (Tarasyn®) 30 mg. Group 2 (n=53) was treated with midazolam (Dormicum®) 3 mg, which was increased to 5 mg if necessary. Immediately after the procedure, the patients were asked to rate their comfort level by using a 10-point visual analog self-assessment pain scale.

RESULTS

The pain scale in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 (p<0.05). The patients assigned to group 2 experienced no side-effects from midazolam and were more satisfied than the patients in group 1 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Midazolam anesthesia relieves pain effectively, and the patient's satisfaction is better than with conventional transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Midazolam-induced anesthetic transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is useful and safe.