title: A national survey of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostatic biopsies: time for a national guideline.
abstract: The aim of this study was to elicit similarities and differences in transrectal ultrasound guided prostatic biopsy regimens in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. A telephone survey of 60 centres was conducted and information collected on the operator, the anaesthesia used, antibiotic prophylaxis and number of biopsies taken. Most prostatic biopsies were performed by urologists and most procedures involved six cores. There was a marked variation in the use of antibiotic prophylaxis, and anaesthesia was used sparingly. Our survey has shown a diversity in protocols used in transrectal ultrasound guided biopsies in the UK and Ireland. It seems sensible to standardise the technique for optimal patient satisfaction, as well as clinical efficiency. A national co-ordinated, prospective trial is needed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Urology and Nephrology, UCL, London, UK.
authors.forename: H R H
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arya
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Masood
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.forename: M K M
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Sheriff
mesh_terms: D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011467:Prostate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D006113:United Kingdom