Biopsy of the prostate guided by transrectal ultrasound: relation between warfarin use and incidence of bleeding complications

The management of rectal bleeding following transrectal prostate biopsy: A review of the current literature

INTRODUCTION

Since the advent of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based testing, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy has become a standard part of the diagnostic pathway for prostate cancer (PCa). Rectal bleeding is one of the common side effects of this transrectal route. While rectal bleeding is usually mild and self-limiting, it can be life-threatening. In this article, we examine rectal bleeding post-TRUS-guided prostate biopsy and explore the literature to evaluate techniques and strategies aimed at preventing and managing this common and important complication.

METHODS

A PubMed literature search was carried out using the keywords "transrectal-prostate-biopsy-bleed." A search of the bibliography of reviewed studies was also conducted. Additionally, papers in non-PubMed-listed journals of which the authors were aware were appraised.

RESULTS

Numerous modifiable risk factors for this bleeding complication exist, particularly anticoagulants/antiplatelets and the number of core biopsies taken. Successfully described corrective measures for such rectal bleeding include tamponade (digital/packs/catheter/tampon/condom), endoscopic sclerotherapy/banding/clipping, radiological embolization, and surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

We advocate early consultation with the colorectal/gastroenterology and interventional radiology services and a progressive, stepwise approach to the management of post-biopsy rectal bleeding, starting with resuscitation and conservative tamponade measures, moving to endoscopic hemostasis ± radiological embolization ± transanal surgical methods. Given the infrequent but serious nature of major rectal bleeding after TRUS biopsy, we recommend the establishment of centralized databases or registries forthwith to prospectively capture such data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive look specifically at the management of post-TRUS biopsy rectal bleeding.

Safety of heparin bridging therapy for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in patients requiring temporary discontinuation of antithrombotic agents

BACKGROUND

Safety of heparin bridging therapy for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate (TRUS) biopsy in patients requiring temporary discontinuation of antithrombotic therapy is unknown. This study aimed to assess the relationship between heparin bridging therapy and the incidence of complications after TRUS biopsy.

METHODS

From January 2005 to November 2015, we performed 1307 consecutive TRUS biopsies on 1134 patients in our hospital. The patients were assigned to two groups: those without heparin bridging (the control group) and those with temporary discontinuation of antithrombotic agents with heparin bridging therapy (the bridging group). A 10-12-core TRUS biopsy was performed; the patients were evaluated for bleeding-related complications.

RESULTS

Of 1134 patients, 1109 (1281 biopsies) and 25 (26 biopsies) were assigned to the control and bridging group, respectively. Patient background did not significantly differ between the control and bridging groups, except for age, history of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and CHADS2 scores. Compared with the control group, the bridging group showed a significantly higher rate of complication for any complication (35 vs. 8.3%, P < 0.001), bleeding-related complications (27 vs. 4.4%), and urinary tract infection (7.7 vs. 1.2%). No thromboembolic event was observed in the present study. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that heparin bridging therapy was a significant risk factor for the incidence of any complication and bleeding-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Heparin bridging therapy with temporal discontinuation of antithrombotic agents may increase the risk of complications after TRUS biopsy. Further, large-scale studies are required to clarify the safety of heparin bridging therapy.

Systematic review of complications of prostate biopsy

CONTEXT

Prostate biopsy is commonly performed for cancer detection and management. The benefits and risks of prostate biopsy are germane to ongoing debates about prostate cancer screening and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of complications from prostate biopsy.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature search was performed using PubMed and Embase, supplemented with additional references. Articles were reviewed for data on the following complications: hematuria, rectal bleeding, hematospermia, infection, pain, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), urinary retention, erectile dysfunction, and mortality.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

After biopsy, hematuria and hematospermia are common but typically mild and self-limiting. Severe rectal bleeding is uncommon. Despite antimicrobial prophylaxis, infectious complications are increasing over time and are the most common reason for hospitalization after biopsy. Pain may occur at several stages of prostate biopsy and can be mitigated by anesthetic agents and anxiety-reduction techniques. Up to 25% of men have transient LUTS after biopsy, and <2% have frank urinary retention, with slightly higher rates reported after transperineal template biopsy. Biopsy-related mortality is rare.

CONCLUSIONS

Preparation for biopsy should include antimicrobial prophylaxis and pain management. Prostate biopsy is frequently associated with minor bleeding and urinary symptoms that usually do not require intervention. Infectious complications can be serious, requiring prompt management and continued work into preventative strategies.

Current status of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

In contemporary practice, most prostate cancers are either invisible on ultrasound or indistinguishable from concurrent benign prostatic hyperplasia. Diagnosis therefore rests on prostate biopsy. Biopsies are not simply directed at ultrasonically visible lesions, as these would miss many cancers; rather the whole gland is sampled. The sampling itself is systematic, using patterns based on prostate zonal anatomy and the geographical distribution and frequency of cancer. This review explains the evolution of the prostate biopsy technique, from the classical sextant biopsy method to the more recent extended biopsy protocols (8, 10, 12, >12 and saturation biopsy protocols). Extended protocols are increasingly being used to improve diagnostic accuracy, especially in those patients who require repeat biopsy. This trend has been facilitated by the ongoing improvement in safety and acceptability of the procedure, particularly with the use of antibiotic prophylaxis and local anaesthesia. The technical details of these extended protocols are discussed, as are the current data regarding procedure-related morbidity and how this may be minimized.