The role of a standardized 36 core template-assisted transperineal prostate biopsy technique in patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsies

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of a standardized 36 core template-assisted transperineal biopsy technique for detecting prostate cancer in patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsies and elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.

Patients and methods: Between April 2008 to September 2010, a total of 40 patients with a mean (range) age of 63 (49-73) years, a mean (range) elevated PSA level of 21.9 (4.7-87) ng/mL and two previous sets of negative TRUS-guided prostate biopsies underwent standardized 36 core template-assisted transperineal prostate biopsies under general anaesthetic as a day case procedure. The cancer detection rate and complications for all cases were evaluated.

Results: In total, 27 of 40 (68%) patients were found to have adenocarcinoma of the prostate, two patients (5.0%) had atypical small acinar proliferation, one had high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (2.5%), four (10%) had chronic active inflammation and six (15%) had benign histology. Gleason scores were in the range 6-9, with a median Gleason score of 7. There were no cases of urosepsis, urinary tract infections or haematuria. A single patient experienced acute urinary retention, with a subsequent succesful trial without a catheter, and haematospermia was common, although minor.

Conclusions: Our standardized 36 core template-assisted transperineal prostate biopsy technique is safe and associated with a high detection rate of prostate cancer. This technique should be considered in patients with elevated PSA levels and previously negative TRUS-guided prostate biopsies.