Increasing risk of infectious complications after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies: time to reassess antimicrobial prophylaxis?

Saline cleansing can prevent infective complications after transrectal prostate biopsy: A randomized prospective study

PURPOSE

To discern whether reduced infection rates were attributed to antiseptic solutions or mechanical rectal irrigation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After receiving ethical approval, the study included patients who underwent transrectal prostate biopsy due to elevated PSA or abnormal digital rectal examination findings, and prostate cancer under active surveillance, at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital between April 2022 and June 2023. Standard antibiotic prophylaxis was administered. Patients were randomized into three equal groups according to the rectal irrigation strategy.

RESULTS

Overall complications occurred in 4%. Despite distinct cleaning agents, there was no significant difference in infection rates (p = 0.780) or fever incidence (p = 0.776). Pathological analyses revealed comparable outcomes (p = 0.764).

CONCLUSION

The study challenges the prevailing belief that antiseptic solutions are indispensable for infection prevention, as saline demonstrated similar efficacy. Limitations include data gaps from potential external hospital visits and absent rectal microorganism swab culture. While TRUS-PB remains the gold standard, this study suggests that mechanically cleansing the rectal mucosa with saline-a cost-effective, side-effect-free alternative-may be a viable infection prevention method, particularly beneficial for patients with antiseptic allergies. The findings prompt a reconsideration of the necessity of antiseptic solutions in TRUS-PB, offering an alternative approach to mitigate infectious complications.

Urinary tract infections and associated factors among patients with an enlarged prostate at a tertiary hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The objectives are to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) and associated factors among patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

DESIGN

Hospital-based cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS

Urology clinic and urology ward at Muhimbili National Hospital, which is the main tertiary hospital in Tanzania's largest city.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer presenting with genitourinary symptoms.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The primary outcome was the occurrence of UTI and factors associated with UTI in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

RESULTS

402 participants were enrolled, with a median age of 68 years and IQR of 61-75 years. The proportion of UTI was 46.5% (95% CI 41.56% to 51.53%). UTI was more prevalent among inpatients, patients with indwelling urinary catheters, patients with prostate size>80 cm3 and those with residual urine volume of >100 mL. In multivariate analysis, age>60 years (adjusted OR (aOR)=2.0, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.55, p=0.018), post-void residual urine volume>100 mL (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 0.67 to 2.59 p=0.001), patient with incomplete bladder emptying (aOR=2.57, 95% CI 1.44 to 4.59, p=0.001) and prolonged catheter duration (aOR=1.24, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.38, p=0.005) were significantly associated with UTI.

CONCLUSION

Almost half of the patients with an enlarged prostate and genitourinary symptoms had a laboratory-confirmed UTI. The risk of UTI increases with age, incomplete bladder emptying and increased duration of catheterisation. A 1-day increase in the duration of catheterisation increased the risk of UTI by 24%.

The role of a radiopaque peri-rectal hydrogel spacer in aiding accurate daily image-guidance for prostate stereotactic radiotherapy

Introduction

Precise patient positioning with image guidance (IGRT) is essential for safe prostate radiotherapy. We present the first report of utilizing a CT-visible hydrogel spacer, used to decrease rectal radiation dose, as a surrogate fiducial marker to aid in daily IGRT with cone-beam CT (CBCT) in stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR) for prostate cancer.

Materials and methods

Prior to CT simulation, patients underwent placement of three intraprostatic gold fiducial markers and radiopaque hydrogel spacer per standard practice. At treatment, after initial setup, a CBCT was acquired and fused to the planning CT based on 3-dimensional matching of the spacer. A second alignment was then performed based on the fiducial markers. The six directional shifts (three linear and three rotational) were recorded, and the differences compared.

Results

140 individual fractions across 41 consecutive patients were evaluated. Mean/median differences between hydrogel spacer-based and fiducial-based alignment in linear (vertical, longitudinal, lateral) and rotational (rotation, pitch, roll) shifts were 0.9/0.6mm, 0.8/0.5mm, and 0.6/0.4mm, and 0.38/0, 0.62/0, and 0.35/0 degrees, respectively. No difference was observed in 9.9%, 22.9%, and 22.14% of linear shifts, and 65.7%, 65%, and 66.4% rotational shifts, respectively. Significantly smaller differences were observed in the latter 70 fractions vs. the former, and results were consistent across evaluators.

Conclusions

For precise daily IGRT with CBCT for prostate SABR, alignment using a radiopaque hydrogel spacer was highly comparable to intraprostatic fiducial markers. This represents the first report supporting an additional indication of IGRT for a CT-visible hydrogel spacer, to further enhance treatment accuracy and potentially obviate the need for the additional fiducial marker procedure.

Transperineal magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy versus transrectal route in the detection of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has deeply altered the prostate biopsy strategy to detect prostate cancer. However, it is still debatable whether the detection rate differs between transrectal (TR) and transperineal (TP) MRI-targeted biopsy (MRI-TB). To compare the effectiveness of these two methods for detecting both overall prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant PCa (csPCa), We performed a review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Until January 2023, we conducted a thorough search of Cochrane, Embase, Ovid, and PubMed. In total, 1482 references were identified, and 15 records were finally included. For PCa and csPCa discovered by TP and TR MRI-TB, we combined the relative sensitivity (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The RR between the TP and TR routes was established.

RESULTS

Our study included 8826 patients in total and revealed that TP MRI-TB detected more PCa (RR 1.25 [95% CI 1.12, 1.39], p < 0.0001). In patients who underwent TP MRI-TB and TR MRI-TB at the same time or separately, TP MRI-TB had a greater detection rate of csPCa in per-patient analysis (one cohort (RR 1.33 [95% CI 1.09, 1.63], p = 0.005); two cohorts (RR 1.37 [95% CI 1.16, 1.61], p  = 0.0002)). However, the detection rate of csPCa between the TP route and the TR route was comparable in per-lesion analysis (RR 0.91 [95% CI 0.76, 1.08], p  = 0.28). Additionally, in the prostate's anterior region, we found that TP MRI-TB detected more csPCa (per-lesion (RR 1.52 [95% CI 1.04, 2.23], p  = 0.03); per-patient (RR 2.55 [95% CI 1.56, 4.16], p  = 0.0002)).

CONCLUSION

According to this comprehensive study, TP MRI-TB is more effective than TR MRI-TB at detecting PCa and csPCa. Significant results persisted for detecting csPCa located in the anterior zone. The results need to be taken carefully notwithstanding the heterogeneity among the included studies.

Do alpha blockers reduce the risk of urinary retention post-transperineal prostate biopsy? A systematic narrative review

BACKGROUND

Transperineal Prostate Biopsy (TPB) is a commonly used technique for the diagnosis of prostate cancer due to growing concerns related to infectious complications associated with transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSB). TPB is associated with an infective complication rate of near zero, however, acute urinary retention (AUR) remains the leading complication causing morbidity. Previously in TRUSB, there was weak evidence that alpha-blockers reduce AUR rates, and their usage has been extrapolated to clinical practice with TPB. This review aims to explore if there is an evidence base for using alpha-blockers to prevent AUR following TPB.

METHODS

A systematic approach was used to search Ovid Medline and Embase using keywords related to "Transperineal" and "Retention". Articles were then screened by applying inclusion and exclusion criteria to find studies that compared alpha-blocker recipients to no alpha-blocker use in the perioperative period and the subsequent effect on AUR in TPB.

RESULTS

361 records were identified in the initial search to produce 5 studies included in the final review. No randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified. One observational study showed a reduction in AUR rate from 12.5% to 5.3% with a single dose of tamsulosin. A previous systematic review of complications associated with prostate biopsy concluded there may be a potential benefit to alpha-blockers given in the TPB perioperative period. Three observational studies demonstrated a harmful effect related to alpha-blocker use; however, this was well explained by their clear limitations.

CONCLUSION

Based on this review and the extrapolation from TRUSB data, perioperative alpha-blockers may offer some weak benefits in preventing AUR following TPB. However, there is significant scope and need for an RCT to further develop the evidence base further given the significant gap in the literature and lack of a standard alpha blocker protocol in TPB.

Infectious complications of transrectal prostate biopsy in patients receiving targeted antibiotic prophylaxis after urethral and rectal swab versus standard prophylaxis: A prospective comparative study

Background

To evaluate the role of targeted antibiotic prophylaxis (TAP) after rectal and urethral swab cultures compared to empiric antibiotic prophylaxis (EAP) for the prevention of infectious complications after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx).

Methods

We conducted a prospective comparative study on 141 patients who underwent TRUS-Bx and were allocated in two groups. The first group (n = 71) received EAP with ciprofloxacin and the second (n = 70) received TAP according to rectal and urethral cultures. Post-biopsy infectious complications rates were compared between the two groups. Fluoroquinolone resistance (FQ-R) in the urethral and rectal swabs was recorded. Baseline characteristics were analyzed to assess their relationship with infectious complications and antibiotic resistance.

Results

A total of 8 infectious complications were observed, 7 of them in the EAP group (9.85%) and 1 in the TAP group (1.4%). There was a statistically significant difference in febrile UTIs between the two groups (6 vs 0, P = 0.028). FQ-R rate was 4.3% and 12.9% for rectal and urethral samples, respectively. Recent antibiotic exposure was associated with higher post-biopsy infection rates for EAP group and FQ-R rates for TAP group.

Conclusion

Combination of rectal and urethral swab cultures for TAP was able to detect FQ-R bacteria carriers and was associated with fewer infectious complications compared to EAP.

Risk factors for infection and acute urinary retention following transperineal prostate biopsy

PURPOSE

To calculate the frequency of infection and acute urinary retention (AUR) following transperineal (TP) prostate biopsy at a single high-volume academic institution and determine risk factors for developing these post-biopsy conditions.

METHODS

Men undergoing TP prostate biopsy from 2012 to 2022 at our institution were retrospectively identified and chart reviewed. TP biopsies were performed with TR ultrasound (TRUS) guidance with anesthesia using a brachytherapy grid template. TRUS volumes were recorded during the procedure, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumes were calculated using the ellipsoid formula. When available, MRI volume was used for all analysis, and when absent, TRUS volume was used. AUR was defined as requiring urinary catheter placement within 72 h post-biopsy for inability to urinate. Univariable analysis was performed and variables with p < 0.1 and/or established clinical relevance were included in a backward binary logistic regression to produce an optimized model that fit the data without collinearity between variables.

RESULTS

A total of 767 TP biopsies were completed in the study window. The frequency of infection was 1.83% (N = 14/767). The total frequency of AUR was 5.48% (N = 42/767). On multivariable regression, patients who went into AUR were five times as likely to develop infection (p = 0.020). Patients with infection post-TP biopsy were four times as likely to develop AUR (p = 0.047) and with prostates > 61.21 cc were three times as likely (p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

According to our model, AUR is the greatest risk factor for infection post-TP biopsy. With regard to AUR risks, infection post-biopsy and prostate size > 61.21 cc are the greatest risk factors.

Targeted augmented reality-guided transperineal prostate biopsies study: initial experience

Background

Transperineal biopsy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected prostate lesions is now the established technique used in prostate cancer (CaP) diagnostics. Virtual Surgery Intelligence (VSI) Holomedicine by Apoqlar (Hamburg, Germany) is a mixed reality (MR)/augmented reality (AR) software platform that runs on the HoloLens II system (Microsoft, Redford, USA). Multiparametric prostate MRI images were converted into 3D holograms and added into a MR space, enabling visualization of a 3D hologram and image-assisted prostate biopsy.

Objective

The Targeted Augmented Reality-GuidEd Transperineal (TARGET) study investigated the feasibility of performing AR-guided prostate biopsies in a MR framework, using the VSI platform in patients with MRI-detected prostate lesions.

Methods

Ten patients with a clinical suspicion of CaP on MRI (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System, PI-RADS 4/5) were uploaded to the VSI HoloLens system. Two MR/AR-guided prostate biopsies were then acquired using the PrecisionPoint Freehand transperineal biopsy system. Cognitive fusion biopsies were performed as standard of care following the MR/AR-guided prostate biopsies.

Results

All 10 patients successfully underwent MR/AR-guided prostate biopsy after 3D MR images were overlaid on the patient's body. Prostatic tissue was obtained in all MR/AR-guided specimens. Seven patients (70%) had matching histology in both the standard and MR/AR-guided biopsies. The remaining three had ISUP (International Society of Urological Pathology) Grade 2 CaP. There were no immediate complications.

Conclusion

We believe this is a world first. The initial feasibility data from the TARGET study demonstrated that an MR/AR-guided prostate biopsy utilizing the VSI Holomedicine system is a viable option in CaP diagnostics. The next stage in development is to combine AR images with real-time needle insertion and to provide further data to formally appraise the sensitivity and specificity of the technique.

Is it Time to Retire the Term of Low-Grade Ductal Carcinoma in Situ and Replace it With Ductal Neoplasia?

As the leading cause of cancer morbidity and the second leading cause of cancer mortality among women, breast cancer continues to remain a major global public health problem. Consequently, significant attention has been directed toward early breast cancer detection and prevention. As a result, the number of image-detected biopsies has increased, and minimally invasive diagnostic procedures have almost replaced open surgical biopsies. Therefore, pathologists are expected to provide more information with less tissue and diagnose increasing numbers of atypical proliferative breast lesions, in situ lesions, and small breast carcinomas. This is a difficult task, as reflected by continuous reports highlighting the challenges associated with morphologic distinction between atypical ductal hyperplasia and low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ. The current interobserver variability among pathologists to accurately define these two entities often leads to silent overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Up to now, there are no reproducible morphologic features and/or any reliable biomarkers that can accurately separate the above-mentioned entities. Despite these reports, patients diagnosed with low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ are subject to cancer therapy regardless of the fact that low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ is known to be an indolent lesion. Studies have shown that low and high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ are genetically different forms of breast cancer precursors; however, the term ductal carcinoma in situ is followed by cancer therapy regardless of the grade and biology of the tumor. In contrast, patients with the diagnoses of atypical ductal hyperplasia do not undergo cancer therapy. In the current article, attempts are made to highlight the continuous dilemma in distinction between atypical ductal hyperplasia and low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ. Going forward, we suggest that low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ be referred to as ductal neoplasia. This alternative terminology allows for different management and follow-up strategies by eliminating the word carcinoma.

Preliminary study on miRNA in prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To screen for miRNAs differentially expressed in prostate cancer and prostate hyperplasia tissues and to validate their association with prostate cancer.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed by pathology in the Department of Urology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2021 to June 2022 were selected, and their general clinical information, blood samples, and prostate tissue samples were collected. miRNA microarray technology was performed to obtain differentially expressed miRNAs in prostate cancer and hyperplasia tissues, and miRNAs to be studied were screened by microarray results and review of relevant literature. The detection of miRNA expression in the patients' blood and prostate tissue samples was measured. The miRNA-222-mimics were transfected into PC3 cells, and cell biology experiments such as CCK8, scratch, Transwell, and flow cytometry were performed to detect the effects of overexpressed miRNA-222 on the growth and proliferation, invasive ability, apoptotic ability, and metastatic ability of prostate cancer cells.

RESULTS

The results of the miRNA microarray showed that there were many differentially expressed miRNAs in prostate cancer and hyperplasia tissues, and four miRNAs, miRNA-144, miRNA-222, miRNA-1248, and miRNA-3651 were finally selected as the subjects by reviewing relevant literature. The results showed that the expression of miRNA-222 in prostate cancer tissues was lower than that in prostate hyperplasia tissues (P < 0.05). The expression of miRNA-222, miRNA-1248, and miRNA-3651 in blood samples of prostate cancer patients was lower than that in prostate hyperplasia patients (P < 0.05). The analysis results indicated that the f/t ratio and the relative expression of miRNA-222 and miRNA-1248 were independent influences of prostate cancer (P < 0.05), in which overexpression of miRNA-222 decreased the proliferative, invasive, and metastatic abilities of PC3 cells and enhanced the level of apoptosis of cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there was no significant change in the overall incidence of prostate cancer in this study, significant changes occurred in the incidence of prostate cancer with different characteristics. In addition, the nomogram prediction model of prostate cancer-specific survival rate constructed based on four factors has a high reference value, which helps physicians to correctly assess the patient-specific survival rate and provides a reference basis for patient diagnosis and prognosis evaluation.

Fosfomycin for Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Men Undergoing a Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objectives: To assess the effects of fosfomycin compared with other antibiotics as a prophylaxis for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men undergoing transrectal prostate biopsies. Materials and Methods: We searched multiple databases and trial registries without publication language or status restrictions until 4 January 2022. Parallel-group randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies (NRS) were included. The primary outcomes were febrile UTI, afebrile UTI, and overall UTI. We used GRADE guidance to rate the certainty of evidence of RCTs and NRSs. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022302743). Results: We found data on five comparisons; however, this abstract focuses on the primary outcomes of the two most clinically relevant comparisons. Regarding fosfomycin versus fluoroquinolone, five RCTs and four NRSs with a one-month follow-up were included. Based on the RCT evidence, fosfomycin likely resulted in little to no difference in febrile UTIs compared with fluoroquinolone. This difference corresponded to four fewer febrile UTIs per 1000 patients. Fosfomycin likely resulted in little to no difference in afebrile UTIs compared with fluoroquinolone. This difference corresponded to 29 fewer afebrile UTIs per 1000 patients. Fosfomycin likely resulted in little to no difference in overall UTIs compared with fluoroquinolone. This difference corresponded to 35 fewer overall UTIs per 1000 patients. Regarding fosfomycin and fluoroquinolone combined versus fluoroquinolone, two NRSs with a one- to three-month follow-up were included. Based on the NRS evidence, fosfomycin and fluoroquinolone combined may result in little to no difference in febrile UTIs compared with fluoroquinolone. This difference corresponded to 16 fewer febrile UTIs per 1000 patients. Conclusions: Compared with fluoroquinolone, fosfomycin or fosfomycin and fluoroquinolone combined may have a similar prophylactic effect on UTIs after a transrectal prostate biopsy. Given the increasing fluoroquinolone resistance and its ease to use, fosfomycin may be a good option for antibiotic prophylaxis.

Infection after prostatic transrectal fiducial marker implantation for image guided radiation therapy

PURPOSE

The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the risk of infection after transrectal ultrasound-guided fiducial marker insertion for image-guided radiotherapy of prostate cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 2016 and December 2020, 829 patients scheduled for intensity-modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer had an intraprostatic fiducial marker transrectal implantation under ultrasound guidance by radiation-oncologists specialized in brachytherapy. Patients received standard oral prophylactic antibiotic with quinolone. If Gram negative bacteria resistant to quinolone were detected at the time of the prostate cancer biopsies, the antibioprophylaxis regimen was modified accordingly. The resistance to quinolone screening test was not repeated before fiducial marker insertion. Infectious complications were assessed with questionnaires at the time of CT-planning and medical record reviewed. Toxicity was evaluated according to CTCAE v5.0.

RESULTS

The median time between fiducial marker implantation and evaluation was 10 days (range: 0-165 days). Four patients (0.48%) developed urinary tract infection related to the procedure, mostly with Gram-negative bacteria resistant to quinolone (75%). Three had a grade 2 infection, and one patient experienced a grade 3 urosepsis. The quinolone-resistance status was known for two patients (one positive and one negative) and was unknown for the other two patients prior to fiducial marker implantation.

CONCLUSION

Intraprostatic transrectal fiducial marker implantation for image-guided radiotherapy is well tolerated with a low rate of infection. With such a low rate of infection, there is no need to repeat the search of Gram-negative bacteria resistant to quinolone before fiducial marker implantation if it was done at the time of prostate biopsies. Optimal antibioprophylaxis should be adapted to the known status of Gram-negative bacteria resistant to quinolone.

Rectal Culture-Based Versus Empirical Antibiotic Prophylaxis to Prevent Infectious Complications in Men Undergoing Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: A Randomized, Nonblinded Multicenter Trial

BACKGROUND

An increase in infections after transrectal prostate biopsy (PB), related to an increasing number of patients with ciprofloxacin-resistant rectal flora, necessitates the exploration of alternatives for the traditionally used empirical prophylaxis of ciprofloxacin. We compared infectious complication rates after transrectal PB using empirical ciprofloxacin prophylaxis versus culture-based prophylaxis.

METHODS

In this nonblinded, randomized trial, between 4 April 2018 and 30 July 2021, we enrolled 1538 patients from 11 Dutch hospitals undergoing transrectal PB. After rectal swab collection, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive empirical prophylaxis with oral ciprofloxacin (control group [CG]) or culture-based prophylaxis (intervention group [IG]). Primary outcome was any infectious complication within 7 days after biopsy. Secondary outcomes were infectious complications within 30 days, and bacteremia and bacteriuria within 7 and 30 days postbiopsy. For primary outcome analysis, the χ2 test stratified for hospitals was used. Trial registration number: NCT03228108.

RESULTS

Data from 1288 patients (83.7%) were available for analysis (CG, 652; IG, 636). Infection rates within 7 days postbiopsy were 4.3% (n = 28) (CG) and 2.5% (n = 16) (IG) (P value = .08; reduction: -1.8%; 95% confidence interval, -.004 to .040). Ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria were detected in 15.2% (n = 1288). In the CG, the presence of ciprofloxacin-resistant rectal flora resulted in a 6.2-fold higher risk of early postbiopsy infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports the use of culture-based prophylaxis to reduce infectious complications after transrectal PB. Despite adequate prophylaxis, postbiopsy infections can still occur. Therefore, culture-based prophylaxis must be weighed against other strategies that could reduce postbiopsy infections. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT03228108.

Cost Effectiveness of Rectal Culture-based Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: The Results from a Randomized, Nonblinded, Multicenter Trial

Background

Culture-based antibiotic prophylaxis is a plausible strategy to reduce infections after transrectal prostate biopsy (PB) related to fluoroquinolone-resistant pathogens.

Objective

To assess the cost effectiveness of rectal culture-based prophylaxis compared with empirical ciprofloxacin prophylaxis.

Design setting and participants

The study was performed alongside a trial in 11 Dutch hospitals investigating the effectiveness of culture-based prophylaxis in transrectal PB between April 2018 and July 2021 (trial registration number: NCT03228108).

Intervention

Patients were 1:1 randomized for empirical ciprofloxacin prophylaxis (oral) or culture-based prophylaxis. Costs for both prophylactic strategies were determined for two scenarios: (1) all infectious complications within 7 d after biopsy and (2) culture-proven Gram-negative infections within 30 d after biopsy.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Differences in costs and effects (quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs]) were analyzed from a healthcare and societal perspective (including productivity losses, and travel and parking costs) using a bootstrap procedure presenting uncertainty surrounding the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio in a cost-effectiveness plane and acceptability curve.

Results and limitations

For the 7-d follow-up period, culture-based prophylaxis (n = 636) was €51.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.52-96.63) more expensive from a healthcare perspective and €16.95 (95% CI -54.29 to 88.18) from a societal perspective than empirical ciprofloxacin prophylaxis (n = 652). Ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria were detected in 15.4%. Extrapolating our data, from a healthcare perspective, 40% ciprofloxacin resistance would lead to equal cost for both strategies. Results were similar for the 30-d follow-up period. No significant differences in QALYs were observed.

Conclusions

Our results should be interpreted in the context of local ciprofloxacin resistance rates. In our setting, from a healthcare perspective, culture-based prophylaxis was significantly more expensive than empirical ciprofloxacin prophylaxis. From a societal perspective, culture-based prophylaxis was somewhat more cost effective against the threshold value customary for the Netherlands (€80.000).

Patient summary

Culture-based prophylaxis in transrectal prostate biopsy was not associated with reduced costs compared with empirical ciprofloxacin prophylaxis.

Should Transperineal Prostate Biopsy Be the Standard of Care?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of transperineal prostate biopsy (TP-bx) to evaluate its potential role as the standard of care for prostate biopsy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies have suggested no difference in prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate between TP-bx and transrectal biopsy (TR-bx) but have suggested potentially increased detection of anterior prostate tumors. Advances in anesthetic technique have obviated the need for sedation thus allowing TP-bx to become an office-based procedure, which in turn can decrease the overall cost of TP-bx. Furthermore, given the low rate of infectious complications after TP-bx, some have foregone peri-procedural antibiotics without a change in the rate of infectious complications. Recent procedural advances have made TP-bx a tolerable, office-based procedure. Given the similar diagnostic performance and the benefits for the patient and community, TP-bx should become the standard of care for prostate biopsy for most patients. Future efforts should address the barriers for more universal adoption.

The effect of povidone-iodine rectal cleansing on post-biopsy infectious complications

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of pre-biopsy povidone-iodine rectal cleansing on post-biopsy hospitalization rates due to prostate biopsy-related infectious complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, we reviewed 552 patients who underwent ultrasonography-guided transrectal prostate biopsy between 2014 and 2022. Group 1, 361 patients (January 2014-October 2020) were not applied povidone-iodine rectal cleansing, and group 2, 191 patients (November 2020-January 2022) were applied povidone-iodine rectal cleansing since we changed our biopsy protocol. All patients were given the same antibiotic prophylaxis, ciprofloxacin 500 mg, and ornidazole 500 mg twice daily starting 24 h before the biopsy and lasting a total of 5 days. Sodium phosphate enema was applied to all patients in the biopsy morning. The outcome was the hospitalization rates of patients because of infectious complications a month after the biopsy.

RESULTS

No patients were hospitalized in the povidone-iodine rectal cleansing group because of biopsy related complications. The hospitalization rate of group 1 was 3% and there was a statistical difference between groups.

CONCLUSION

The povidone-iodine solution is cheap, safe and easy to apply. The povidone-iodine rectal cleansing method seems to decrease infectious complications related to prostate biopsy procedure, but we need a randomized controlled trial to confirm our study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

We got permission for this retrospective study from the Karabuk university ethics council with the number 2021/649 on 1 October 2021.

Catheterization Before Transperineal Ultrasound-guided Prostate Biopsy and the Risk of Urethrorrhagia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of catheterization before transperineal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in reducing risk of urethrorrhagia. Currently, transperineal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TPPB) is one of the most commonly used measures to help diagnose prostate cancer. However, whether the retention of catheterization before transperineal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is associated with the reduced risk of urethrorrhagia remains uncertain.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted in our hospital from January 2021 to September 2021. This study included 93 patients who participated in transperineal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. We compared the risk of urethrorrhagia in patients who underwent indwelling catheterization before biopsy and those who did that after biopsy, and performed an unadjusted analysis. We also analyzed the use of related confounding factors to limit the cohort of men, and applied propensity-score adjustment to control potential confounders. Analyses that restricted the cohort men with the related confounding factors and that used propensity-score adjustment to control for potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 93 men were recruited in the cohort study, and the numbers of patients in group 1 and group 2 were 64 and 29, respectively. There were 34 patients (53.1%) of urethrorrhagia in group 1, and 22 patients (75.8%) of urethrorrhagia in group 2. This was a significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .008). After adjusting for correlative factors, the preoperative catheterization is still a protective factor for postoperative urethrorrhagia through multivariate multiple piecewise linear regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

The result of this cohort study suggested that preoperative catheterization can significantly reduce the risk of urethrorrhagia.

How I manage bacterial prostatitis

BACKGROUND

Bacterial prostatitis is a highly prevalent infection responsible for significant morbidity among men. The diagnosis and treatment for bacterial prostatitis remains complicated. The difficulty in diagnosis is in part owing to the paucity of high-quality evidence that guides a clinician's interpretation of patients' history, physical examination, and laboratory findings. Treatment is challenging because of the few antimicrobials capable of prostate penetration, growing antimicrobial resistance limiting effective treatment options, and the high risk of recurrence.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to provide a useful resource for clinicians in effectively diagnosing and managing acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP) and chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP).

SOURCES

A PubMed literature search on prostatitis was performed with no restrictions on publication date.

CONTENT

The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment for ABP and CBP are explored using a clinical vignette as relevant context.

IMPLICATIONS

Bacterial prostatitis can be diagnosed through a focused history and microbiological investigations. The Meares-Stamey 4-glass test or modified 2-glass test can help confirm the diagnosis if uncertainty exists. Typical uropathogens are common contributors to bacterial prostatitis but there is growing interest in exploring the role atypical and traditional non-pathogenic organisms may have. Fluoroquinolones remain first-line therapy, followed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) or doxycycline if the pathogen is susceptible. Fosfomycin has emerged as a repurposed and useful agent because of the increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Selection of appropriate antimicrobial regimens can be challenging and is dependent on the host, chronicity of symptoms, uropathogens' susceptibilities, antimicrobials' side effect profile, and the presence of prostatic abscesses or calcifications. ABP can typically be treated similar to other complicated urinary tract infections. However, CBP requires prolonged therapy, with a minimum of 4 weeks and up to 12 weeks of therapy.

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.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Stockholm 3 Testing Compared to PSA as the Primary Blood Test in the Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Pathway: A Decision Tree Approach

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the cost effectiveness of using Stockholm 3 (STHLM3) testing compared to the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test in the diagnostic pathway for prostate cancer.

METHODS

We created a decision tree model for PSA (current standard) and STHLM3 (new alternative). Cost effectiveness was evaluated in a hypothetical cohort of male individuals aged 50-69 years. The study applied a Danish hospital perspective with a time frame restricted to the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway, beginning with the initial PSA/STHLM3 test, and ending with biopsy and histopathological diagnosis. Estimated values from the decision-analytical model were used to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the base-case analysis.

RESULTS

The model-based analysis revealed that STHLM3 testing was more effective than the PSA, but also more costly, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €511.7 (95% credible interval, 359.9-674.3) for each additional correctly classified individual. In the deterministic sensitivity analysis, variations in the cost of STHLM3 had the greatest influence on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, all iterations were positioned in the north-east quadrant of the incremental cost-effectiveness scatterplot. At a willingness to pay of €700 for an additional correctly classified individual, STHLM3 had a 100% probability of being cost effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to the PSA test as the initial testing modality in the prostate cancer diagnostic workup, STHLM3 testing showed improved incremental effectiveness, however, at additional costs. The results were sensitive to the cost of the STHLM3 test; therefore, a lower cost of the STHLM3 test would improve its cost effectiveness compared with PSA tests.

Positive urine culture prior to transrectal prostate biopsy was not associated with infectious complications development

OBJECTIVE

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Its histological diagnosis is based on prostate biopsy. The transrectal procedure is one of the most common procedures performed by urologists. Although it is considered safe, post-biopsy infectious complications are frequently observed in practice. The aim of this study is to investigate the value of urine culture before the transrectal biopsy. Secondly, we assessed potential risk factors for infectious complications following TR-PB.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent urine culture tests before transrectal prostate biopsy between January 2019 and July 2020. The inclusion criteria for the study were all indications for prostate biopsy (PSA>4ng/mL or abnormal digital rectal examination). Baseline characteristics and the incidence of post-biopsy urinary tract infection were compared between patients showing positive pre-biopsy culture results and those showing negative findings. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors for infectious complications following TR-PB.

RESULTS

Out of 163 patients included in our study, 19 patients (11.65%) had positive urine culture results before the biopsy. Age (P=0.068); history of hospitalization (P>0.999), history previous of quinolone use (P=0.75), history of UTI (P=0.64); median PSA level at diagnosis (P=0.267); prostate volume (P=0.78); post-void residual volume (P=0.374); percentage of patients testing positive for cancer on biopsy (P=0.81); and percentages of patients with a history of biopsy (P=0.889), diabetes mellitus (P=0.524), hypertension (P=0.714) and immunosuppressive medication use (P>0.999) were similar between the two groups. One patient in the positive urine culture group had post-biopsy prostatitis. However, 3.24% (five patients) of the negative urine culture group had the disease (P=0.789) (four patients with prostatitis and one with epididymitis). Among them, four patients were diagnosed by urine culture at the time of post-biopsy urinary tract infection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that history of hospitalization and history of previous quinolone use were risk factors for infection after transrectal prostate biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that systematically performing urine cultures before transrectal prostate biopsy does not reduce the rate of infectious complications after biopsy. Positive pre-biopsy cultures were not associated with the development of post-biopsy infectious complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Morbidity following transperineal prostate biopsy: Our experience in 8.500 men

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate clinical complications following transperineal prostate biopsy in 8.500 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2000 to January 2022, 8,500 men (median age: 62.8 years) underwent transperineal prostate biopsy; since 2011, 1,850 patients were submitted to mpMRI and in the presence of a PI-RADS score ≥ 3, a transperineal targeted biopsy was added to systematic prostate biopsy (4 cores). All patients underwent antibiotic prophylaxis (2000-2011: levoxacin 500 tablet; 2012-2022: 2 grams intravenous of cefazolin). Among 8.500 men 1.350 (15.8%) vs. 4.520 (53.3%) vs. 2.630 (30.9%) underwent 12 vs. 18 vs. > 24 needle cores, respectively. The prostate biopsy-related complications were evaluated within 20 days from prostate biopsy; the number of patients who needed hospital admission or emergency department visit (EDV) was recorded.

RESULTS

Prostate cancer was found in 3.150/8.500 (37.1%) patients; overall, hospital admission and EDV were equal to 1.5% and 8.9% and the side effects were directly correlated with the number of needle cores resulting equal to 17.4% (12 cores), 38.7% (18 cores) and 55.3% (> 24 cores) (p = 0.001). Hospital admission and EDV in men who underwent 12 vs. 18 vs. > 24 cores occurred in 1.5% and 7.4% vs. 1.4% and 8.7% vs. 1.7% and 10.6% (p > 0.05), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical complications following transperineal prostate biopsy involved 35.9% of the patients but only 1.5% of them required hospital admission; urinary tract infection with fever was the most frequent cause of hospital recovery (33.4% of the cases), but none of the patients developed sepsis.

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.

Retrospective Analysis of the Risk Factors and Drug Resistance of Pathogenic Bacteria in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome After Ureteroscopic Holmium Laser Lithotripsy for Impacted Ureteral Calculi

Objective

To investigate the risk factors, pathogen distribution, and drug resistance of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) after holmium laser ureteroscopic lithotripsy for impacted ureteral calculi (HLULIUC).

Patients and Methods

The clinical data of 293 patients with HLULIUC in our hospital from October 2017 to February 2021 were retrospectively collected, including age, BMI, stone size, operation time, urine routine, urine culture, basic illness, complete blood count, liver and kidney function, etc. Patients were divided into SIRS and non-SIRS groups according to whether they had SIRS or not. Then the differences in clinical data, blood and urine bacterial culture results, and drug resistance between the two groups were analyzed.

Results

The incidence of SIRS after HLULIUC was 17.75%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of SIRS after HLULIUC include ureteral calculi≥1cm (OR=2.839, 95% CI=1.341–5.647, P=0.021), long operation time (OR=4.534, 95% CI=2.597–12.751, P=0.017), diabetes mellitus (OR=3.137, 95% CI=1.142–7.319, P=0.012), increased preoperative C-reactive protein (OR=1.864, 95% CI=1.05–4.347, P=0.032), and positive urine leukocytes (OR=3.514, 95% CI=1.7237–9.734, P=0.007) and culture (OR=6.034, 95% CI=3.097–15.751, P<0.001) before operation. The main pathogens causing SIRS after HLULIUC were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The pathogenic bacteria are sensitive to drugs including piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem, tigecycline, teicoplanin, vancomycin, and imipenem. The resistance rates to quinolones (such as levofloxacin) and to the second- and third-generations of cephalosporins were as high as 52.94%–90.19%.

Conclusion

Ureteral calculi≥1cm, long operation time, diabetes, increased C-reactive protein, and preoperative positive urine leukocytes and culture are independent risk factors of SIRS after HLULIUC. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the main pathogenic bacteria for SIRS after HLULIUC. The pathogenic bacteria are sensitive to drugs, including piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem, tigecycline, teicoplanin, vancomycin, and imipenem.

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

CONTEXT

Transperineal prostate biopsy is associated with a significantly lower risk of infectious complications than the transrectal approach. In fact, the risk of infectious complications with transperineal prostate biopsy is so low that the utility of administering periprocedural antibiotics with this procedure has come under question.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess for differences in the rates of infectious complications (septic, nonseptic, and overall) after performing transperineal prostate biopsy with and without the administration of periprocedural antibiotic prophylaxis.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE) were searched, and studies were included if they included patients who underwent transperineal prostate biopsy, were published after January 2000, included information on periprocedural antibiotic administration, and reported postbiopsy complications. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guidelines were utilized.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 106 unique studies describing 112 cohorts of patients were identified, of which 98 (37 805 men) received antibiotic prophylaxis and 14 (4772 men) did not receive it. All patients were included in the analysis of septic complications. In total, there were 19/37 805 (0.05%) episodes of sepsis in the group of men who received antibiotics, which was similar to the no antibiotic group with 4/4772 (0.08%) episodes (p = 0.2). For overall infections (septic plus nonseptic), there were 403/29 880 (1.35%) versus 58/4772 (1.22%) events among men with evaluable data who received and did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis, respectively (p = 0.8). Restricting our analysis to studies with a comparable low number of biopsy cores (<25 cores), there remained no difference in the rates of sepsis between groups, but there was a small, statistically significant lower risk of infectious complications with antibiotic administration-67/12 140 (0.55%) versus 58/4772 (1.22%; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The likelihood of septic infections after transperineal prostate biopsy is low with and without antibiotic prophylaxis. The omission of periprocedural antibiotics with this procedure stands to benefit patients by avoiding potential drug reactions. Furthermore, this practice is in line with calls throughout the medical community for improved antibiotic stewardship.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In a large systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated infectious complications after transperineal prostate biopsy with or without the administration of prophylactic antibiotics. We conclude that prophylactic antibiotics do not decrease the rate of postbiopsy sepsis but may have a small benefit in terms of preventing less serious infections.

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.

A novel enema method can prevent infectious complications of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: A single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

TRUS biopsy is the preferred method for diagnosing prostate cancer, but it can cause infectious complications that arise with the contribution of fluoroquinolone resistance. We aimed to explore the potential protective effect of a second rectal enema before biopsy.

METHODS

From January 2015 to December 2020, 419 patients were assessed retrospectively. Patients with a history of anticoagulant use, uncontrolled diabetes, urological surgery, prostate biopsy or recent hospitalisation or overseas travel, as well as those with the previous prostatitis, were excluded from the study. The patients were subsequently divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 223) had received one enema, on the morning of the biopsy and Group 2 (n = 196) had received two, with the additional enema administered half an hour before the procedure.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age(P = .076), BMI (P = .489), diabetes (P = .265), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level (P = .193), free/total PSA (f/t PSA) ratio (P = .518) and prostate size (P = .661) or in relation to cancer detection (P = .428). The median hospitalisation date was significantly higher in Group 1 (P = .003) as was urinary tract infection (UTI) development (P = .004). However, there was no significant difference in terms of fever and sepsis (P = .524 and P = .548, respectively). Additionally, subgroup analysis demonstrated that UTI was significantly lower in patients with diabetes mellitus who had received a second enema (P = .004), though there was no significant difference in UTI between the groups in those without diabetes mellitus (P = .215). Multivariable analysis showed that age and diabetes were significant risk factors for the development of UTI (OR: 1.074, 95% CI: 1.027-1.130, P = .002 and OR: 1.220, 95% CI: 0.131-0.665, P = .003, respectively). Furthermore, the second enema was a significant protective factor for preventing UTI (OR: -1.794, 95% CI: 2.208-16.389, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Older age and the presence of diabetes mellitus are independent risk factors for UTI after prostate biopsy. A second enema procedure before biopsy may protect patients from related infectious complications and could therefore be used as an alternative preventative method.

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.

Multiparametric Prostate MRI in Biopsy-Naïve Men: A Prospective Evaluation of Performance and Biopsy Strategies

Objectives

This study aims to prospectively estimate the diagnostic performance of multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI) and compare the detection rates of prostate cancer using cognitive targeted transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsies, targeted MR-guided in-bore biopsies (MRGB), or both methods combined in biopsy-naïve men.

Methods

The biopsy-naïve men referred for mpMRI (including T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI) due to prostate cancer suspicion (elevated prostate-specific antigen or abnormal digital rectal examination) were eligible for inclusion. The images were scored according to Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2, and men with PI-RADS 1-2 lesions were referred for routine systematic TRUS, while those with PI-RADS 3-5 lesions were randomized to MRGB or cognitive targeted TRUS. Men randomized to MRGB were referred to a secondary TRUS 2 weeks after MRGB. Gleason grade group ≥2 was defined as clinically significant prostate cancer. The performance of mpMRI was estimated using prostate cancer detected by any biopsy method as the reference test.

Results

A total of 210 men were included. There was no suspicion of prostate cancer after mpMRI (PI-RADS 1-2) in 48% of the men. Among these, significant and insignificant prostate cancer was diagnosed in five and 11 men, respectively. Thirty-five men who scored as PI-RADS 1-2 did not undergo biopsy and were therefore excluded from the calculation of diagnostic accuracy. The overall sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of mpMRI for the detection of significant prostate cancer were 0.94, 0.63, 0.92, and 0.67, respectively. In patients with PI-RADS 3-5 lesions, the detection rates for significant prostate cancer were not significantly different between cognitive targeted TRUS (68.4%), MRGB (57.7%), and the combination of the two biopsy methods (64.4%). The median numbers of biopsy cores taken per patient undergoing systematic TRUS, cognitive targeted TRUS, and MRGB were 14 [8-16], 12 [6-17], and 2 [1-4] respectively.

Conclusions

mpMRI, in a cohort of biopsy-naïve men, has high negative predictive value, and our results support that it is safe to avoid biopsy after negative mpMRI. Furthermore, MRGB provides a similar diagnosis to the cognitive targeted TRUS but with fewer biopsies.

Minimizing transrectal prostate biopsy-related infections; A prospective randomized trial of povidone-iodine intrarectal cleaning versus formalin needle disinfection

INTRODUCTION

Transrectal prostate biopsies are associated with post biopsy infection and sepsis. We compared the efficacy of povidone-iodine rectal disinfection versus formalin needle disinfection in preventing post biopsy infection among patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy.

METHODS

Patients scheduled to undergo ultrasound-guided transrectal prostate biopsy (n = 621) over 20 months were randomized into 2 groups to receive either povidone-iodine intrarectal disinfection or formalin disinfection of needle after each core. These were compared to assess which methodology better prevented postprocedure infection. Statistical analysis were used to identify independent factors promoting infections.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety-eight patients from povidone-iodine intrarectal disinfection were compared with 300 from formalin needle disinfection group. Formalin needle disinfection was associated with significantly more infections (P = 0.02). Escherichia coli was the dominant pathogen, with >50% of cases being quinolone resistant. Type of disinfection (P = 0.002), BMI (P = 0.001), chronic prostatitis (P = 0.002), and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.01) were independent predictors of infections. BMI at 28.95 kg/m2 provided the best predictive cut-off point for infections, irrespective of method of disinfection. Area under the curve for all these parameters together was 0.91.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that along with oral cephalosporin prophylaxis, povidone-iodine intrarectal disinfection is a superior to formalin needle disinfection alone in preventing post biopsy infection. Patients with BMI >28.95 kg/m2 should be considered at a higher risk for infections.

Rate and characteristics of infection after transrectal prostate biopsy: a retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of infection after transrectal prostate biopsy (TRbx). Secondary objectives were to describe infection characteristics, antibiotic resistance patterns, ICD-10 coding, and costs.

METHODS

TRbx carried out at the hospitals of Ängelholm and Helsingborg, Scania, Sweden, between October 2017 and March 2019, were identified based on the NOMESCO Classification of Surgical Procedures code for TRbx, TKE00. All patients received per oral antibiotic prophylaxis, usually 750 mg ciprofloxacin at biopsy. Other preventative measures were not used. Medical care within 30 days of the biopsy was evaluated through a manual retrospective medical chart review. Data on patient and infection characteristics were collected. The costs of infections causing hospitalization were estimated.

RESULTS

After 36 (5.4%) of 670 biopsies, the patient developed post-biopsy infection within 30 days after TRbx. Twenty-six patients (3.9%) required hospitalization for an average of 6 days, at an estimated direct cost of USD 9174 (EUR 8031) per patient. Nine patients (1.3%) had a complicated infection leading to intensive care, multiple hospitalizations or emergency department visits. The inpatient care episodes for the 26 hospitalized patients were categorized with 15 different ICD-codes. In 6 episodes no ICD-code related to infection was used.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found an infection rate of 5.4% after TRbx; 3.9% of the patients were hospitalized for a post-TRbx infection and 1.3% had complicated infections. A specific ICD code for post-TRbx infections would facilitate evaluation and monitoring of this common, costly, and sometimes serious complication.

Prevention and management of infectious complications in prostate biopsy: A review

Prostate biopsies are common procedures for urologists, performed in order to detect and diagnose prostate cancer. Procedures continue to evolve, for instance, recently there has been an increase in the use of the transperineal approach, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a challenge. This review examines the recent prostate biopsy literature as well as the guidelines of three urological associations. We review the recent literature, including our own recent studies, and the Japanese Urological Association, European Association of Urology and American Urological Association guidelines, and summarize the current recommendations regarding the prevention of infectious complications that can occur after prostate biopsy, including the use of antimicrobial agents, and the management and treatment of such complications. Current recommendations include single-dose or 1-day use of oral quinolones for infection control, along with consideration of high-risk patients with diabetes, steroid use, large prostates, or high residual urine volume for instance. Targeted therapies based on the results of rectal swabs carried out prior to transrectal prostate biopsy, which can provide better inhibitory data with regard to post-prostate biopsy infectious complications, can also be considered. In conclusion, oral quinolones for low-risk patients and targeted therapies for high-risk patients are recommended when using a transrectal approach to prostate biopsy, and oral quinolones are recommended when using a transperineal approach. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to draw more definitive conclusions.

Clinical utility of the exosome based ExoDx Prostate(IntelliScore) EPI test in men presenting for initial Biopsy with a PSA 2-10 ng/mL

BACKGROUND

The ExoDx Prostate(IntelliScore) (EPI) test is a non-invasive risk assessment tool for detection of high-grade prostate cancer (HGPC) that informs whether to proceed with prostate biopsy. We sought to assess the impact of EPI on the decision to biopsy in a real-world clinical setting.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, randomized, blinded, two-armed clinical utility study that enrolled 1094 patients with 72 urologists from 24 urology practices. Patients were considered for prostate biopsy at enrollment based on standard clinical criteria. All patients had an EPI test; however, patients were randomized into EPI vs. control arms where only the EPI arm received results for their biopsy decision.

RESULTS

In the EPI arm (N = 458), 93 patients received negative EPI scores of which 63% were recommended to defer biopsy by the urologist and 74% ultimately deferred. In contrast, 87% of patients with positive EPI scores were recommended to undergo biopsy with a 72% compliance rate to the urologist's recommendation. This led to detection of 30% more HGPC compared to the control arm, and we estimate that 49% fewer HGPC were missed due to deferrals compared to standard of care (SOC). Overall, 68% of urologists reported that the EPI test influenced their biopsy decision. The primary reason not to comply with EPI results was rising PSA.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge this is the first report on a PC biomarker utility study with a blinded control arm. The study demonstrates that the EPI test influences the overall decision to defer or proceed with a biopsy and improves patient stratification.

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.

Fosfomycin-trometamol (FT) or fluoroquinolone (FQ) as single-dose prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB): A prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The increasing incidence of fluoroquinolones (FQ) resistance may lower its efficacy in preventing UTI following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB). We assessed the efficacy and safety of FQ and fosfomycin-trometamol (FT) in patients undergoing TRUS-PB.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted between April 2017 and June 2019 and enrolled men undergoing TRUS-PB and receiving a single-dose of FQ (FQ-arm) or FT (FT-arm) for UTI prophylaxis per physician's choice. The primary efficacy endpoint was self-reported TRUS-PB UTI. We assessed baseline factors associated with UTI with logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 222 men were enrolled, 141/222 (64%) received FQ, and 81/222 (36%) FT. The median age was 67.6 years [IQR, 61.4-72.1] and the Charlson score was 3 [IQR, 3-5]. The overall incidence of self-reported TRUS-PB UTI was 12% (24/197, (95%CI, 8%-17%)): 15% (17/116, (95% CI, 10%-17%)) in FQ-arm, versus 9% (7/81, 95% CI (5%-13%)) in FT-arm (RR = 0.55 (95% CI, 0.22-1.40), p-value = 0.209). No baseline characteristic was significantly associated with TRUS-PB UTI. Safety was similar between the arms: the rate of the reported adverse event was 31% (36/116, (95% CI, 25%-37%) in the FQ-arm versus 36% (28/81, (95% CI, 28%-41%)) in the FT-arm (RR = 1.17 (95% CI, 0.64-2.15), p = 0.602).

CONCLUSIONS

TRUS-PB UTI prophylaxis with FT and FQ has similar efficacy and safety. A randomized comparison of these two antibiotics is warranted.

Funding of prostate magnetic resonance imaging leads to fewer biopsies and potential savings to health systems in the management of prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of the introduction of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate (mpMRIp) on the number of prostate biopsies performed in Australia.

METHODS

Australian Medicare published statistics from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2019 were obtained from publically available databases for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, prostate biopsy, and mpMRIp. Analysis was divided into three time periods broadly based on availability of mpMRI to the Australian public: 2007-2012 (no mpMRIp), 2012-2018 (mpMRIp available, privately funded), and 2018-2019 (mpMRIp available with Medicare funding). Introduction of mpMRIp was hypothesised to reduce the number of prostate biopsies performed. PSA testing numbers were used as a control. The economics model, proposed by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC), was analysed for cost savings.

RESULTS

Accounting for variations in PSA testing, the introduction of mpMRIp from 2012 coincided with a reduction in the number of prostate biopsies by an average of 354.7/month (95% CI 175, 534.4; P < 0.001). Whilst the number of mpMRIp performed for the initial 12 months was underestimated by the MSAC at 38 470 vs 20 149 (+$8.3 million Australian dollars), we estimate the annual savings from reduced number biopsies and biopsy-associated complications to be $13.2 ± 9.6 million.

CONCLUSION

Availability of mpMRIp in Australia has correlated with a significant reduction in prostate biopsy rates, with an estimated annual saving of $13.2 ± 9.6 million. Government funding of this diagnostic service has the potential to improve health equity and save on health expenditure.

Retrospective Study of the Etiology and Risk Factors of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome After Systematic Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy

Objective

To explore the risk factors, pathogenic bacteria distribution and drug resistance of systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx), 329 cases of TRUS-Bx were collected, retrospectively, in the Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Military Medical University, from April 2017 to October 2019.

Methods

A total of 329 cases were all qualified and grouped into the SIRS group (25 cases) and the non-SIRS group (304 cases). Of all the cases, incidence and risk factors of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were analyzed. Urine and blood samples of patients with SIRS after TRUS-Bx were also collected for bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.34–2.12, P <0.001), history of diabetes (OR = 5.48, 95% CI = 1.53–19.68, P = 0.008), urinary infection before operation (OR = 9.19, 95% CI = 2.92–20.93, P < 0.001) and erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR) ≥ 20 mm/h (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.08, P = 0.039) were independent risk factors of SIRS after TURS-PB.

Conclusion

The incidence of SIRS and urinary sepsis was 7.59% and 2.13%, respectively, and major pathogens of SIRS after TRUS-Bx were Escherichia coli (58.33%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.5%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.5%). Imipenem, meropenem, tigecycline, piperacillin/tazobactam, teicoplanin, vancomycin, amikacin and cefoperazone/sulbactam had a very strong inhibitory effect to those pathogenic bacteria (sensitivity 85.72%~100%). Levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, penicillin G, compound neonomine and second-generation cephalosporins showed less but also worked as a good inhibitor to pathogenic bacteria (42.86%~80.95%).

Risk factors for infection complications after transrectal ultrasound-guided transperineal prostate biopsy

BACKGROUND

To investigate the influence factors of infection complications of transrectal ultrasound-guided transperineal prostate biopsy.

METHODS

A total of 2192 patients who underwent prostate biopsy under transperineal prostate biopsy were analyzed retrospectively from December 2010 to May 2020.We collected the clinical characteristics and the incidence of complications, and used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to analyze independent risk factors for infection complications after transperineal prostate biopsy.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that the following factors were associated with the infection complications: diabetes, bacterial prostatitis, history of urinary retention, history of urinary infection, and number of cores. Furthermore, multivariate logistic analysis revealed that diabetes (OR 2.037, 95% CI 1.143-3.572, P = 0.021) and history of urinary retention (OR 2.563, 95% CI 1.284-3.901, P = 0.013) were independent risk factors for infection complications after transperineal prostate biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with diabetes and history of urinary retention were more likely to have infection complications after transperineal prostate biopsy.

Highly effective prophylaxis with ertapenem for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: effects on overall antibiotic use and inpatient hospital exposure

BACKGROUND

Ertapenem prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB) has proven highly effective at our institution. A subsequent study showed no selection for carbapenem resistance, but antimicrobial stewardship concerns remained.

AIM

To assess the effects of this prophylaxis on overall antibiotic consumption and exposure to the hospital environment.

METHODS

All men undergoing TRUS-PB from November 2006 to July 2019 were included. Hospital records of men presenting within 30 days of biopsy were searched to determine whether post-biopsy infection (PBI) occurred, antibiotic usage, and duration of hospitalization. Prophylaxis during the pre-ertapenem period (period 1: 2006 to 2012) was oral ciprofloxacin for three days, with oral amoxicillin-clavulanate added in 2009. During the subsequent period (period 2: 2012 to 2019) a single intramuscular dose of ertapenem was used.

FINDINGS

From periods 1 and 2, 1663 and 2357 men, respectively, were included. Median age was 65 years for both groups. Between periods 1 and 2, PBI incidence decreased from 2.65% to 0.34% (risk ratio: 0.13; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.06, 0.27), and PBI-related bacteraemia from 1.14% to 0.04% (0.04; 0.01, 0.22), with a single bacteraemia during period 2. PBI treatment antibiotic consumption decreased from 57.6 to 4.3 defined daily doses (DDDs) per 100 biopsies (mean difference: -53.3; 95% CI: -73.1, -33.5) and overall consumption (treatment plus prophylaxis) decreased from 580.8 to 104.3 DDDs per 100 biopsies (mean difference: -476.5). PBI-related hospitalized bed-days per 100 biopsies decreased from 9.44 to 0.89 (mean difference: -8.55; 95% CI: -12.31, -4.79).

CONCLUSION

Ertapenem prophylaxis was highly effective and resulted in marked reductions in overall antibiotic consumption and inpatient bed-days. Effective prophylaxis has advantages from an antimicrobial stewardship perspective.

Transperineal freehand multiparametric MRI fusion targeted biopsies under local anaesthesia for prostate cancer diagnosis: a multicentre prospective study of 1014 cases

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcomes of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) transperineal targeted fusion biopsy (TPFBx) under local anaesthesia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We prospectively screened 1327 patients with a positive mpMRI undergoing TPFBx (targeted cores and systematic cores) under local anaesthesia, at two tertiary referral institutions, between September 2016 and May 2019, for inclusion in the present study. Primary outcomes were detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) defined as (1) International Society of Urological Pathologists (ISUP) grade >1 or ISUP grade 1 with >50% involvement of prostate cancer (PCa) in a single core or in >2 cores (D1) and (2) ISUP grade >1 PCa (D2). Secondary outcomes were: assessment of peri-procedural pain (numerical rating scale [NRS]) and procedure timings; erectile (International Index of Erectile Function) and urinary (International Prostate Symptom Score) function changes; and complications. We also investigated the value of systematic sampling and concordance with radical prostatectomy (RP).

RESULTS

A total of 1014 patients were included, of whom csPCa was diagnosed in 39.4% (n = 400). The procedure was tolerable (NRS pain score 3.1 ± 2.3), with no impact on erectile (P = 0.45) or urinary (P = 0.58) function, and a low rate of complications (Clavien-Dindo grades 1 or 2, n = 8; grade >2, n = 0). No post-biopsy sepsis was recorded. Twenty-two men (95% confidence interval [CI] 17-29) needed to undergo additional systematic biopsy to diagnose one csPCa missed by targeted biopsies (D1). ISUP grade concordance of biopsies with RP was as follows: k = 0.40 (95% CI 0.31-0.49) for targeted cores alone and k = 0.65 (95% CI 0.57-0.72; P < 0.05) overall.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of TPFBx under local anaesthesia yielded good csPCa detection and was feasible, quick, well tolerated and safe. Infectious risk was negligible. Addition of systematic to targeted cores may not be needed in all men, although it improves csPCa detection and concordance with RP.

Characterization of Escherichia coli isolates potentially covered by ExPEC4V and ExPEC10V, that were collected from post-transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy invasive urinary tract and bloodstream infections

There is an increasing incidence of infectious complications caused by extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy (TRUS-PNB), and a need for prophylaxis methods effective against associated antibiotic-resistant organisms. We aimed to identify the O-serotypes of ExPEC isolates collected in a sample of 60 patients with invasive ExPEC disease (IED) after TRUS-PNB, by serotype-specific agglutination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The prevalence of O-serotypes included in a tetravalent ExPEC vaccine was 38.3% by agglutination and 46.7% by PCR, while the prevalence of O-serotypes included in a decavalent vaccine was 58.3% and 73.3%, respectively. Therefore, compared to the tetravalent vaccine, the decavalent vaccine would theoretically provide coverage for serotypes carried by a higher proportion of circulating ExPEC in patients undergoing TRUS-PNB, including a high proportion of antibiotic-resistant organisms.

Multicentre clinical evaluation of the safety and performance of a simple transperineal access system for prostate biopsies for suspected prostate cancer: The CAMbridge PROstate Biopsy DevicE (CamPROBE) study

Objectives:

To report the prospective multicentre clinical evaluation of a first-in-man disposable device, Cambridge Prostate Biopsy Device, to undertake local anaesthetic outpatient transperineal prostate biopsies.

Material and methods:

Disposable single-use Cambridge Prostate Biopsy devices were manufactured based on a previous prototype. The lead site developed a user training course and disseminated the method to other sites. The Cambridge Prostate Biopsy Device (CamPROBE) was offered as an alternative to transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy to men due for a biopsy as part of their clinical management. Data on safety (infections and device performance), clinical utility, patient reported experience, biopsy quality and cancer detection were collected. Procedure time and local anaesthetic use was recorded in the lead site. The study was funded by a United Kingdom National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) i4i product development award.

Results:

A total of 40 patients were recruited (median age 69 y) across six sites; five sites were new to the procedure. Overall, 19/40 were first prostate biopsies and 21/40 repeat procedures. Both image-targeted and systematic biopsy cores taken. There were no infections, device deficiencies or safety issues reported. The procedure was well tolerated with excellent patient-reported perception and low pain scores (median of 3, scale 0–10). Histopathology quality was good and the overall cancer diagnosis rate (first diagnostic procedures) was 68% (13/19) and for significant cancers (⩾ histological Grade Group 2), 47% (9/19). In the lead centre (most experienced), median procedure time was 25 minutes, and median local anaesthetic use 11 ml (n=17).

Conclusions:

Data from this device evaluation study demonstrate that the United Kingdom-developed Cambridge Prostate Biopsy Device/method for transperineal biopsies is safe, transferable and maintains high diagnostic yields. The procedure is well tolerated by patients, suited to the local anaesthetic outpatient setting and could directly replace transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy.

Level of evidence:

Level III

The clinical and financial implications of a decade of prostate biopsies in the NHS: analysis of Hospital Episode Statistics data 2008-2019

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical and financial implications of a decade of prostate biopsies performed in the UK National Health Service (NHS) through the transrectal (TR) vs the transperineal (TP) route.

METHODS

We conducted an evaluation of the TR vs the TP biopsy approach in the context of 28 days post-procedure complications and readmissions. A secondary evaluation of burden of expenditure in NHS hospitals over the entire decade (2008-2019) was conducted through examination of national Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data.

RESULTS

In this dataset of 486 467 prostate biopsies (387 879 TR and 98 588 TP biopsies), rates of infection and sepsis were higher for the TR compared to the TP cohort (0.53% vs 0.31%; P < 0.001, confidence interval 99% ). Rates of sepsis have more than doubled for TR biopsies in the last 2 years compared to the previous decade (1.12% vs 0.53%). Infective complications were the main reasons for readmissions in the TR cohort, whereas urinary retention was the predominant reason for readmission in the TP cohort. Over the last decade, non-elective (NEL) readmissions seem higher for the TP group; however, in the last 2 years these have reduced compared to the TR group (3.54% vs 3.74%). The cost estimates for NEL readmissions for the entire decade were £33,589,527.00 and £7,179,926.00 respectively, for TR and TP cohorts (P < 0.001). Estimated costs per patient readmission were £2,225.00 and £1,758.00 in the TR and TP groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of nearly half a million prostate biopsies in the NHS over the entire decade gives sufficient evidence for the distinct advantages of the TP route over the TR route in terms of reduced infections and burden of expenditure. In addition, there is a potential for savings both in upstream and downstream costs if biopsy is performed under a local anaesthetic.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy: Compared efficacy of ciprofloxacin vs. the ciprofloxacin/fosfomycin tromethamine combination

INTRODUCTION

Some authors advocate an increase in post-prostate needle biopsy (PNB) infections associated with emergent quinolone resistance in E. coli, urging re-evaluation of antibiotic prophylaxis (antibioprophylaxis). In this study, we compared rates of post-PNB urosepsis associated with two oral regimens of antibioprophylaxis: ciprofloxacin (CIP) vs. ciprofloxacin and fosfomycin tromethamine combination (CIP/FOS).

METHODS

This retrospective pre-/post-intervention study included all patients who underwent PNB in two Canadian hospitals from January 2012 to December 2015. The primary outcome was urosepsis within one month of PNB. Urosepsis rates were analyzed according to antibioprophylaxis using log-binomial regression, considering the propensity score weights of collected risk factor data.

RESULTS

We reviewed 2287 PNB patients. A total of 1090 received CIP and 1197 received CIP/FOS. Urosepsis incidence with CIP was 1.1% (12/1090) and fell to 0.2% (2/1197) with CIP/FOS. Our analysis indicates that CIP/FOS significantly decreased the risk of urosepsis compared to CIP alone (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.16; p=0.021). The isolated pathogen was E. coli in 12/14 cases, including seven bacteremias. Among E. coli cases, seven strains were CIP-resistant. Eleven of 12 E. coli, including all CIP-resistant strains, were isolated in patients on CIP alone. One case of B. fragilis bacteremia occurred in the CIP/FOS group. No cases of C. difficile were identified in the three months post-PNB.

CONCLUSIONS

The adoption of CIP/FOS antibiotic prophylaxis significantly lowered the rate of post-PNB urosepsis. Conveniently, this regimen is oral, single-dose, and low-cost.

Infectious complications of prostate biopsy: winning battles but not war

BACKGROUND

Prostate biopsy is a standard tool for diagnosing prostate cancer, with more than 4 million procedures performed worldwide each year. Infectious complications and economic burden are reportedly rising with continued use of trans-rectal ultrasound-guided biopsy, despite the transperineal approach being associated with less infectious complications.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

In this review, the contemporary literature on pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors, causative organisms and emerging approaches for prevention of infectious complications are outlined.

RESULTS

Management of infectious complications after TRUSB has caused significant financial burden on health systems. The most frequent causative agents of infectious complications after prostate biopsy are Gram-negative bacilli are particularly concerning in the era of antibiotic resistance. Increasing resistance to fluoroquinolones and beta-lactam antibiotics has complicated traditional preventive measures. Patient- and procedure-related risk factors, reported by individual studies, can contribute to infectious complications after prostate biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent literature shows that the transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy results in higher infectious complication rate than the transperineal prostate biopsy. NAATs, recently introduced technique to detect FQr may detect all antibiotic-resistant rectal microbiota members-included MDRs-although the technique still has limitations and economical burdens. Transient solutions are escalating antibiotic prophylaxis and widening the indications for TPB.

A prospective randomized comparative study of targeted versus empirical prophylactic antibiotics in the prevention of infective complications following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy

Background:

It is established that antibiotic prophylaxis prevents infection following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. This study compares the infective complications in transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB) in empirical versus targeted prophylactic antibiotics.

Patients and Methods:

Urine and rectal swabs were obtained prior to TRPB. They were randomized into targeted antibiotic (TA) and empirical antibiotic (EA) groups. TA had prophylactic antibiotics according to rectal swab culture, whereas EA had the standard parenteral ciprofloxacin. They were followed up weekly for 4 weeks. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare categorical variables, Student's “t”-test was used to compare means of numerical variables, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

One hundred patients were studied, fifty in each group. The mean age was 66 years, with men aged 60–69 years accounting for 50% of the study population. Providencia stuartii, Escherichia coli, andCitrobacter freundii were the most predominant bacteria identified in the prebiopsy rectal swab culture, with resistance to ciprofloxacin (57%) being much more common than that to levofloxacin (21%). Postbiopsy infection occurred in one (2%) patient in the TA group and five (10%) patients in the EA group. Difference in the infection rate between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.042). Three of the patients with postbiopsy infection in the EA group had urosepsis and required hospitalization. Fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria were responsible for infection in all the six patients. TA reduced the risk of postbiopsy infection by 5.6 folds.

Conclusion:

TA was associated with a decreased risk of infection in TRPB.

Transperineal Free-hand mpMRI Fusion-targeted Biopsies Under Local Anesthesia: Technique and Feasibility From a Single-center Prospective Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of "in-office" TPFBx under local anesthesia (LA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively screened for eligibility data of 724 consecutive men undergoing either TPFBx (target and systematic cores) or TPSBx (systematic cores only) from September 2016 to June 2018 due to suspicion of prostate cancer (CaP), according to predefined exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

We included 459 men (TPFBx n = 279 including n = 338 mpMRI lesions, Pi-RADS 4 in 63.6%; TPSBx n = 180). Median procedural time and maximum pain were 19 minutes and 5 numeric rating scale (NRS) points; pain was highest at the time of LA. Only 1 major complication occurred (Clavien 3a). Hematuria and hematospermia were frequent (72.6% and 54.2%). Vaso-vagal reactions and AUR were rare (0.7% and 0.4%). No cases of UTI and 1 case of fever were recorded. No significant changes in erectile and urinary functions were noted from baseline compared to 40 days after TPFBx (P = .86 and P = .89). In comparison with TPSBx the sole differences were pain during prostatic sampling (P = .03), duration of hematospermia (P <.0001) and procedural time (P <.001) all higher for TPFBx. Clinically significant (cs) CaP was detected in n = 150 (53.8%) patients in the TPFBx group (34.9%, 51.7%, and 75% of Pirads 3, 4, and 5, respectively). Addition of systematic cores detected n = 25 csCaP that were missed by targeted cores (17.4% of all csCaP).

CONCLUSION

TPFBx under LA are feasible, yielding high tolerability, low complications, no impact on erectile and urinary function and good csCaP detection. Addition of systematic to targeted cores remains recommended. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.