Posted on 09/22/2024 8:30:56 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
A multi-institutional clinical trial has shown that a newer technique for collecting prostate biopsy samples reduced the risk of infection compared with traditional biopsy approaches.
The technique, called transperineal prostate biopsy, collects prostate tissue via a needle through the skin of the perineum, the area between the rectum and the scrotum. The procedure, which uses local anesthesia to numb the area, allows physicians to bypass the traditional and more infection-prone route of collecting prostate biopsy tissue with a needle through the rectum.
The study found no infections among 382 men randomized to undergo the transperineal procedure compared with six infections affecting 1.6% of the 370 men randomized to undergo the traditional transrectal biopsy procedure. The lower infection rate is particularly remarkable because the men in the transrectal biopsy group received a targeted course of antibiotics designed to help reduce their infection risk, and the men in the transperineal group received no antibiotics.
Prostate biopsies are an essential tool for detecting prostate cancer, and about 3 million people worldwide undergo the procedure each year. Dr. Hu noted that physicians collect about 90% of these biopsies in the United States via a transrectal procedure. Yet studies have found that 5% to 7% of patients develop infections after biopsy, and 1% to 3% require hospitalization for these complications, he said. To help prevent infections, physicians typically prescribe a prophylactic course of antibiotics before the procedure.
Despite the promise of the new procedure, Dr. Hu acknowledged a few hurdles to making it more widely available. He explained that few physicians in the country have been trained in the perineal procedure. Additionally, he noted that U.S. insurers pay the same amount for either procedure, but the transperineal biopsy costs more and takes longer to perform, creating a financial disincentive for physicians to make the switch.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Hope this new procedure is standard when I have to get biopsied again (hopefully in a couple of years if my PSA stays in control). I’ve had 2 done the standard way and really don’t want another.
Bookmark.
I have had 3 of the transrectal and 2 of the transperineal. The first transperineal was about 2 years ago. I thought that the transperineal was already known for lower infections and I am certainly glad that they came up with a biopsy that reduced that risk —— one less thing to have to worry about.
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