What should be done to minimize pain without any sexual function deterioration in transrectal prostate biopsy?

Introduction: The aim of this study was to find an ideal method for the application of a transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) without deteriorating patient comfort.

Material and methods: TRUS-Bx was applied in a total of 93 patients. Taking the application method into consideration, these patients were divided into three groups, each consisting of 31 patients. Methods applied for pain control in the different groups were compared (groups 1, 2 and 3). Age, prostate specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, cancer detection rate, re-biopsy consent ratio, complication rates, visual analog scale (VAS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores were compared among the groups.

Results: Age, PSA, prostate volume, cancer detection rate, and fever complication rate were not statistically different between the three groups. However, a statistically significant difference was detected among the groups for the VAS measured during and after TRUS-Bx, re-biopsy consent ratio, and hematuria (p <0.001, p <0.001, p <0.001, and p = 0.027, respectively). There was no detected difference in pre-operation IIEF-5 scores, but the difference in IIEF-5 scores in the first month after the operation was significant (p = 0.116, p = 0.024, respectively).

Conclusions: Anal dilatation after the application of intrarectal topical anesthetic to provide anesthesia during TRUS-Bx and giving lidocaine hydrochloride with epinephrine for periprostatic nerve blockage (PNB) is a successful and effective method to maintain patient comfort, especially as it relates to pain control and sexual function. Anal dilatation seems to minimize any pain that may occur due to probe transition, and adding epinephrine as a vasopressor to the anesthetic agent chosen during the operation will be rather helpful for hemostasis control and pain that results from the needle.