Risk Factors Affecting Complications Due to Prostate Biopsy

Objective: Currently, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy is the standard method used for prostate cancer detection. In the last decade, hospitalization due to complications has increased, especially due to infectious causes. Therefore, it is important to determine the risk factors affecting the complications of prostate biopsy. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty-four patients who underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsy due to prostate cancer suspicion were included in our study. Patient's ages, total and free prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, prostate volumes, digital rectal examination findings, level of education, pathology results and pain related to the procedure were recorded. A 10-cm long visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the pain of the patients. Complications related to the procedure were questioned firstly on the same day and secondly during the visit of the patient for pathology. As a result of these evaluations, complications divided into three groups as none, minor (no intervention) and major (medically or surgically treated). Results: In our study, minor complications included rectal bleeding in 42 patients and hematuria lasting longer than 48 hours in 11 patients. Major complications were fever of >38 degrees C in two patients and epididymitis in one patient. There was no statistically significant effect of age, total and free PSA, prostate volume, level of education, digital rectal examination findings and pathology results on complications. There was no statistically significant relationship between VAS pain score and rectal bleeding, hematuria, epididymitis. On the other hand, a statistically significant relationship was found between VAS pain score and fever. Conclusion: In the limited number of studies on the determination of risk factors for complications associated with prostate biopsy, the level of education, digital rectal examination findings, and pain due to the procedure were evaluated. In the light of our results, we believe that patients with high pain scores may be at risk for complications, especially for fever.