OBJECTIVE
To prospectively compare the efficacy of bi‐basal vs bi‐apical periprostatic nerve block (PPNB) during 12‐core prostate biopsy guided by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), and to evaluate the pain experienced on inserting the probe compared to the biopsy procedure, as PPNB with lignocaine local anaesthesia has been used for over a decade for minimizing pain during prostatic biopsy.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In all, 143 men who were to have a TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy were systematically randomized to two groups, to receive PPNB at the apex or base. A 10‐cm visual analogue score was used to record the pain experienced during probe insertion, the biopsy and just before to leaving the department .
RESULTS
The mean pain score on biopsy in the apical group was similar to that of the basal group (apex 1.9, base 1.6, P = 0.36). Probe introduction produced a significantly higher pain score (probe 2.2, biopsy 1.7, P < 0.001) than at the biopsy.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients who experienced greater pain with the introduction of the probe also reported more pain with the biopsy procedure. The site of local anaesthetic before prostatic biopsy showed no significant difference in pain scores. Older men tolerated the procedure better. Analgesia after PPNB at near either the apex or base appears equal, regardless of the site of injection. We suggest that topical perianal anaesthetic agents could significantly reduce not only pain perception, but also improve tolerance.
While IC remains a diagnosis of exclusion, active exclusion of all possible causes of similar symptoms using a thorough investigative algorithm is imperative. Urodynamic investigation, together with a thorough history and physical examination, remains an important component of the diagnostic pathway.
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