Patient tolerance of transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsy of the prostate

Abstract

Objectives To determine the acceptability by patients of ultrasound‐guided prostatic biopsy without anaesthesia. Patients and methods From January 1995 to January 1996, 81 patients in our department undergoing transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy were asked to assess the tolerability of the procedure using an immediate post‐operative questionnaire including a 10 cm linear visual analogue scale (VAS). Results The mean VAS score was 3 (standard error 0.24) and 16% of the patients had a VAS score of ≥5. Responses to the questionnaire showed that 6% of patients judged that the procedure should have been performed under general anaesthesia, while 19% would not agree to undergo it again without some form of anaesthesia. Conclusions Even when anaesthesia‐free, transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostatic biopsy was felt to be only mildly uncomfortable by most patients, but 19% judged that it should be accompanied by some form of anaesthesia. Consequently, local anaesthetic techniques to enhance tolerance to this type of intervention without sacrificing the advantages of the current out‐patient setting should be reassessed.

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

“…There is a general consensus regarding the necessity of some form of anesthesia during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy due to preoperative pain and/or discomfort. 7,11,12 The most common methods for alleviating discomfort during TRUS-guided biopsy are intrarectal gel or periprostatic injection. 13,14 Periprostatic nerve blocks have been reported to be effective for the reduction in discomfort, but may have limited ability to reduce Prostate biopsy under monitored anesthesia SG Kang et al 725 pain.…”

Tolerance of pain during transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate: risk factors

“…For the same questions, Irani et al 13 reported 81 and 6%, respectively. 13 Several authors reported a benefit on pain and tolerance during transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy with periprostatic local anesthesia. 2,5 This approach seems very interesting for some of the patients.…”

Three different techniques for administering analgesia during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: a comparative study

“…Today, debate continues about the need for analgesia and the technique used for administration (1)(2)(3). TRUS-guided prostate biopsy is a gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer in patients at high risk of the disease (4,5). The description provided by a sextant biopsy with TRUS guidance and the development of other biopsy techniques make this method crucial for histopathological diagnosis (3).…”