One 10-core prostate biopsy is superior to two sets of sextant prostate biopsies.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficiency of different transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy techniques for detecting prostate cancer.


METHODS
In all, 81 prostates from radical prostatectomy were used and two consecutive sets of sextant biopsies and one 10-core biopsy taken in each specimen. The 10-core biopsy consisted of a sextant biopsy and four cores from the far lateral areas of the prostate. To simulate a transrectal biopsy procedure, all biopsies were taken under TRUS guidance.


RESULTS
In the first set of sextant biopsies 44 prostate cancers (54%) were detected and in the second set 51 (63%). Combining both sets of sextant biopsies 57 (70%) of the carcinomas were detected. One set of 10-core biopsies detected 66 (82%) of all prostate cancers. Overall, with the 10-core biopsies 16% more prostate tumours were diagnosed than with two consecutive sets of sextant biopsies. To find the same number of prostate cancers as with the 10-core technique, 14% of patients undergoing sextant biopsy would require a second set and 11% at least a third set of biopsies.


CONCLUSIONS
The 10-core prostate biopsy technique is superior to the commonly used sextant technique and could spare patients unnecessary repeated biopsy. Even after including a second set of sextant biopsies, the total detection rate with these 12 biopsies was inferior to the 10-core technique.
Fink
K G
KG
Department of Urology and Andrology, St. Johannsspital, Salzburg, Austria. k.g.fink@lks.at
Hutarew
G
G
Pytel
A
A
Esterbauer
B
B
Jungwirth
A
A
Dietze
O
O
Schmeller
N T
NT
D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000473:pathology*; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional