Editorial Comment

Abstract

The authors investigate whether the use of a disposable needle guide results in a decreased incidence of infectious complications after transrectal prostate biopsy. Previous studies have focused on different antibiotic prophylaxis regimens and the use of enemas to reduce infectious complications. This appears to be the first study reporting the use of a disposable needle guide. One hundred ninety-eight patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group 1 underwent a biopsy with a reusable needle guide that was disinfected with 3.2% glutaraldehyde solution between patients and group 2 underwent a biopsy with a disposable transrectal ultrasound probe needle guide. All patients had a negative urine and blood culture 2 days before the procedure. The patients also received ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice a day beginning the day before the biopsy and continued for 1 week after. The infectious complication rates were recorded as asymptomatic bacteriuria, high fever, and acute urinary infection. All 3 complication rates were found to be significantly lower in group 2.