title: Intrarectal lidocaine during transrectal prostate biopsy: results of a prospective double-blind randomized trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Recent reports have indicated the benefit of anesthesia during prostate biopsy. To assess this finding objectively we performed a prospective randomized double-blind study to compare patient pain with and without local anesthesia during transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between August 2000 and March 2001, 108 men undergoing transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate were randomized in double-blind fashion to receive intrarectal 2% lidocaine gel or intrarectal lubricant alone. No patient received pre-procedure narcotics or sedation. Pain associated with biopsy was determined using a horizontal linear visual analog pain scale. Pain scores in the 2 treatment groups were compared and possible predictors of increased pain were examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 2 groups were similar in demographic characteristics. There was no significant difference in pain score in the 2% lidocaine and lubricant alone groups (28.3 versus 28.9 mm., p = 0.88). Previous biopsy, time since previous biopsy, physician, number of biopsies and prostate volume did not correlate with pain score, while age correlated negatively with the score (r = -0.27, p = 0.005). A single complication involving a vasovagal episode resolved spontaneously.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intrarectal lidocaine gel provides no significant therapeutic or analgesic benefit compared with lubricant alone for transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate. In younger patients more discomfort is associated with this procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urologic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Alberts
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Cookson
mesh_terms: D000285:Administration, Rectal; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011467:Prostate / Q000473:pathology*; D012007:Rectum
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine