A novel method for pain control: infiltration free local anesthesia technique (INFLATE) for transrectal prostatic biopsy using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Purpose To describe a novel method for the control of pain during prostate biopsies, infiltration free local anesthesia technique (INFLATE) for transrectal prostatic biopsies with no further needle insertions for local anesthetic infiltration. Methods A total of 138 men with elevated prostate-specific antigen levels and/or abnormal digital rectal examination findings were included in the study. Of the patients, 73 were assigned to the INFLATE group and 65 to the TRUS-PNB group. Demographic data, PSA levels, findings of digital rectal examinations, and multiparametric prostatic magnetic resonance imaging were recorded. In the INFLATE group, a two-channel TENStem eco basic device with two electrodes was used for pain control during the biopsy. For the TRUS-PNB group, 60 mg lidocaine gel was given intrarectally in addition to infiltration of a prilocaine and bupivacaine mixture (5 mL of 2% prilocaine + 5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine). Pain perception was assessed using a linear numeric rating scale. Results The mean ages, BMIs, prostate volumes, and PSA levels were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). Of the 56 participants with prostate adenocarcinoma, 28 were in the INFLATE group, and 28 were in the TRUS-PNB group with a 40.6% overall cancer detection rate. The mean preoperative and post-operative pain scores during probe insertion, biopsy and post-biopsy were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion The results of the study confirmed that INFLATE for transrectal prostate biopsy using a TENS device could safely and effectively be used for pain control with the advantage of two fewer needle attempts with no increase in significant complications.