Complications of Prostate Biopsy: A Prospective, Single-institution Study

Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence rates of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy-related complications among patients receiving treatment at the large tertiary-care urology clinic of Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), Jamaica.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Place and Duration of Study: Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), Jamaica from July 2018 to April 2019.

Methodology: Our study population included men who underwent prostate biopsy at KPH. Data on demographics and clinical characteristics were collected using purpose-designed questionnaires from consenting patients who underwent prostate biopsy during the stated period. Patients were then followed up for complications 30 days post biopsy. Details regarding hospitalization due to biopsy-related complications were obtained from the medical records.

Results: Data from 185 men were included in the final analysis. Among the patients biopsied, 49% were diagnosed with prostate cancer, while 72% experienced at least one complication, mainly non-infectious complications such as hematuria (46%), lower urinary tract symptoms (24%), rectal bleeding (23%), hematospermia (9%), and urinary retention (16%). Overall, a 15% risk of developing infectious complications was observed, with 9% experiencing fever and 3% experiencing both urinary tract infection and epididymo-orchitis. Our data showed a 6% hospitalization rate within 30 days, with all available records suggesting infectious complications. One death from a prostatic abscess was noted. The present study showed that most prostate biopsy complications were minor. Moreover, although bleeding and infectious complications as well as hospitalization rates were consistent with those reported in larger series, our population experienced a slightly higher mortality and urinary retention rate.

Conclusion: Overall, our results showed that prostate biopsies performed within our institution are generally safe and well tolerated. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to determine whether morbidity of the procedure remains acceptable.