A single injection of lidocaine as local anesthesia for ultrasound guided needle biopsy of the prostate

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the effectiveness of a single injection of lidocaine on patient tolerance of multiple needle biopsies of the prostate.

Materials and methods: In 100 consecutive group 1 patients local anesthesia was achieved by a single bolus injection of 10 ml. lidocaine and multiple prostatic needle biopsies was performed under ultrasound guidance. At the end of the procedure patients were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the level of pain. Answers were compared with those of 100 group 2 patients who underwent prostatic biopsy before the introduction of local anesthesia.

Results: Of the group 1 patients 93% had only slight discomfort during the procedure and 7% required a further 1 cc bolus of lidocaine. In 55% of group 2 patients the level of pain during the procedure was significant but bearable, in 35% it was considered unbearable and in 10% sedation with midazolam was necessary. There was no significant difference in complications in the 2 groups.

Conclusions: A single injection of local anesthesia for prostatic biopsy proved to be efficient, well tolerated by patients and effective for decreasing the pain associated with the procedure.